Why do zebras have stripes?
Ooh! Scientists think zebra stripes help keep biting flies away.
Pip’s answer
- Ooh! Scientists think zebra stripes help keep biting flies away.
- Flies get mixed up by the stripes, so they zoom past instead of landing!
- Stripes may also help zebras stay cool in the hot sun.
- Wow-ee! Every zebra has its very own stripes, just like you're one of a kind, buddy!
For grown-ups
Scientists have debated zebra stripes for a long time. The strongest evidence suggests stripes deter biting flies, which have trouble landing on striped surfaces. Other ideas, like helping to stay cool or confusing predators, have weaker support. Every zebra's stripe pattern is unique.
Ask your child: If you were a zebra, how would your stripes look?
More questions kids ask
- 🐯Why do tigers have stripes?
- 🐆Why do leopards have spots?
- 🦒Why do giraffes have long necks?
- 🐱Why do cats purr?
- 🐝Why do bees visit flowers?
- 🐦How do birds fly?
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