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But the point is, the theory with the most current support for why zebras have stripes is that they help the zebras avoid biting flies. As far as I understand i
by Gene_Parmesan 7y ago
But the point is, the theory with the most current support for why zebras have stripes is that they help the zebras avoid biting flies. As far as I understand it, it's not about intelligence, it's about confusing the flies' ability to detect movement. That's where this idea came from -- from research on zebra striping.
- edoo 7y agoAs a kid I was taught zebra stripes throw off the depth perception of lunging predators leading to increased survival rates. It is similar to the dazzle camouflage of old ships. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazzle_camouflage https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dazzle_camouflage
- jonshariat 7y agoDitto but I remember reading that they were uncertain if it was even effective. Anyone know if this is proven in other circumstances? It seems to make sense intuitively.
- edoo 7y agoBiologically speaking pigmentation is expensive so they'd lose it if it didn't serve some significant survival purpose.
- Eric_WVGG 7y agothere was a recent study where striped “jackets” were given to horses, and were found to be very effective. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/zebra-stripes-horse-flies-disease-research-evolution-science-a8789701.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/zebra-stripes-hor...