New study reveals that Zebras' stripes can control their temperature

19 Jun 2019

New study reveals that Zebras’ stripes can control their temperature

New study reveals that Zebras’ stripes can control their temperatureNew research has confirmed that the zebra's stripes are used to control body temperature.

The study was done over many years in the very hot regions of Africa, which is the zebra's natural habitat*.

Researchers observed a difference in temperature between the black striped skin and the white striped skin.
 	In the sun, the live zebras maintained the same temperature, while the temperature of the skin of dead zebras continued to rise. This pointed to an underlying* cooling system.

How do Zebras stay cool?

Air flows faster over the black parts of the zebra's body as black absorbs more heat, and slower over the white parts.
 	At the junctures* of black and white, the air might be creating little swirls* to provide a cooling effect. This is shown by zebras with more strips having cooler body temperatures.

Additionally, the zebra's stripes also provide protection against disease-causing flies.

*Juncture: A place where things join.

*Swirl: Move in a twisting pattern.

*Habitat: The natural surroundings in which a plant or animal lives.

*Underlying: Positioned under the surface

Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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New research has confirmed that the zebra’s stripes are used to control body temperature. The study was done over many years in the very hot […]

New study reveals that Zebras’ stripes can control their temperature

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