Life & evolution: Zebra stripes may be antifly defense: Fur pattern's function not tied to camouflage or cooling.

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Connect Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): MILIUS, SUSAN
  • Source:
    Science News. 5/3/2014, Vol. 185 Issue 9, p12-13. 2p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      ZEBRAS; STRIPES; TSETSE-flies; PREDATOR management; CAMOUFLAGE (Biology); ANIMAL behavior
    • Abstract:
      The article discusses a study by researcher Tim Caro and colleagues that was published in the April 1, 2014 issue of "Nature Communications" and suggests that the function of a zebra's stripes may be to ward off biting insects such as tsetse flies. Topics include how these flies can spread diseases that kill zebras, how flies can cause major blood loss, and other theories about the stripes including camouflage.