Stripes make zebras one of the more unique terrestrial creatures on the planet. The true purpose of these stripes, however, has been an enigma to many.

Some biologists have long believed stripes are used to regulate heat. Another theory says these serve as protection from insect bites. Some researchers claim stripes are a natural defense mechanism that creates optical illusions allowing zebras to escape from predators in a herd run.

Like Us on Facebook

The different regional patterns of these stripes can't be entirely explained by any of the theories mentioned above that led scientists to further research.

Plains zebras, otherwise known as Equus quagga, are indigenous to eastern South Africa and to southern Ethiopia. These animals have wide black and white stripes covering their whole bodies while others show thinner stripes that don't cover the legs.

Not all zebras look the same, as others possess different pigmentations and markings in different species.

Researchers from the University of California collaborated with scientists from all over the world to study zebras from 16 different locations on the planet. In every region, markings were noted for different types of zebras and data was then collected in order to compare to 29 environmental conditions in every location.

Scientists have now concluded that stripes are linked to temperature. According to Brenda Larison and Ryan J. Harrigan from the University of California, temperature determines how many stripes a plains zebra can have in terms of pattern variations.

The link between striping and temperature indicates a myriad of biological processes that leads to zebra complex striping agents.

The stripes aren't caused by only one reason but these unique markings provide very important survival mechanisms that are advantageous in the wild. This current study discounts the traditional ideas of the stripes being used to avoid predators.

To date, there are three species of zebras in the world: the plains zebra, mountain zebra and Grévy's zebra. These animals evolved from horses in a process covering four million years.

This study was published in the journal, Royal Society Open Science.

TagsHow Did Zebras Get Their Stripes? It Depends on the Temperature, zebra stripes, zebras, zebra stripes temperture climate change cool off patterns, Africa