Why Zebras Have Stripes

                  There are many stories on why zebras have stripes. Some think the stripes acts as camouflage or a way to confuse predators. Others believe the stripes helps zebras regulate body heat or choose mates. Scientists at the University Of California  decided to find the answer. They studied where the groups (and groups) of zebras, horses, and asses lived. They gathered information on the color, location, and size of stripes on the bodies of the zebras.

                           Then they mapped the locations of tsetse files and tabloids like horseflies and deer flies. A few other variables, some statistical analysis, and voilà.  They had their answer. "I was stunned by our results," said researcher Tim Caro. "Again and again, there was greater striping on areas of the body in those parts of the world where there was more annoyance from biting files."

                          Zebras are more unsafe or weak to biting flies because their hair is shorter than that of similar animals like horses. These blood-sucking flies can carry baneful diseases, so it's important for zebras to avoid this risk.

                           Other researchers from the another University found that flies avoid zebra stripes because they're the right width. If they were wider, the zebras wouldn't be protected. In that study, more flies were enchant by black surfaces, fewer by white surfaces and the fewest by stripes.