zebra
Definition
Zebras are African equines with distinctive black-and-white striped coats. They are classified as part of the horse family, Equidae. There are three species of zebra: the Grévy's zebra, the plains zebra, and the mountain zebra.
Zebras are social animals and live in herds of up to 50 individuals. The herds are led by a dominant stallion, who mates with the females.
Zebras are herbivores and their diet consists of grasses, leaves, and fruit. They are known for their distinctive stripes, which help them to camouflage themselves from predators.
The stripes of zebras are unique to each individual. Scientists believe that the stripes help zebras to recognize each other and to avoid being attacked by predators.
Zebras are an important part of the African ecosystem. They help to keep the grasslands healthy by grazing on grasses and other plants.
How can the word be used?
The zebra's stripes help to camouflage it from predators.
Different forms of the word
Noun: zebra (plural: zebras).
- Zebra animal.
- a black and white striped African ungulate mammal.
Adjective: zebra.
- striped like a zebra.
- Zebra striped animal.
Verb: to zebra.
- to decorate with zebra stripes.
Etymology
The word "zebra" is derived from the Portuguese word "zebra", which is thought to come from the Arabic word "za'bhr" (meaning "wild ass"). The Portuguese word "zebra" was first recorded in the 16th century.
The English word "zebra" is first attested in the 1600s. It was originally used to refer to the African zebra, but it is now used to refer to any zebra species.
Question
Where do zebras live?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the adaptive characteristics of zebras' striped coat pattern and how it benefits their survival in their natural habitat. Discuss the role of zebra stripes in deterring predators and regulating body temperature.
Answer:
Zebras' distinctive black and white striped coat pattern serves as an adaptive trait with multiple benefits for their survival in their natural habitat. One primary function of these stripes is to deter predators through a phenomenon known as "motion dazzle." When zebras move in a group, their stripes create optical illusions that make it difficult for predators, like lions or hyenas, to single out an individual zebra to pursue.
Furthermore, zebra stripes play a role in thermal regulation. The black stripes absorb and radiate heat, while the white stripes reflect sunlight. This dynamic combination helps zebras regulate their body temperature in the hot African savanna. By managing heat absorption and reflection, zebras can mitigate the risk of overheating and maintain a more stable internal temperature.
Research has also suggested that zebra stripes might help deter blood-sucking insects, like tsetse flies, which are vectors for diseases such as trypanosomiasis.