A Delve Into The Life Of The Zebra

A Zebra is an African wild animal with a horse resemblance and unique black and white stripes (lines) on its body.

Each Zebra has distinct stripes just as every human has distinct palm lines.


There are basically three species of Zebras

• Plains Zebra
• Mountains Zebra
• Grevy's Zebra

Plains Zebra are the most common zebra species with habitats in Southern and Eastern Africa.

Mountains Zebra has a slightly sleek coat, a white belly and more narrow stripes than the plains zebra.

Grevy's Zebra are said to be the largest of the species and possesses a long mule-like head. It is the rarest Zebra specie with habitats only in Kenya and Ethiopia.

Basic Features Of The Zebra

1.Speed

Zebra as a land animal travels very fast and can also reach the speed of about 65kmph when moving across the plains.

It is the seventeenth fast mammal in the world.

The Zebra can run very fast to outsmart his predators such as lions.

A remarkable fact is that it's young ones (foals) can run with the herd few hours after its birth.

2.Skin

Through it's coat (skin), the mammal is able to disperse 60-70 % of head coming into its body. This feature saves the animal from overheating under hot African sun.

Another primary feature of the Zebra's skin is the unique stripes which differs in each individual.

Then newly born Zebra can be able to recognize their mother based on their stripe pattern as well as by scent and call.

(Zebra and it's young one)

3.Feeding

Though the Zebra has never really been domesticated, it belongs to the class of wild animals that doesn't feed on flesh.

As a herbivore, the Zebra feed almost entirely on grasses, but may occasionally eat shrubs, herbs, twigs, bark and leaves.

4.Senses

The Zebra has large ears that can be turned to any direction with relative ease.

Zebras also possess an exceptional eyesight which gives it a wide range of view.
They also know to possess night vision, though not as clear as most of it's vicious predators.

Modern Features

The Zebra crossing featured on major roads mimics the black (coal tar) and white stripes (paint) on the skin of the Zebra.

The Zebra is also boldly featured on the Botswana Coat of arms.

Zebra stripes are also a popular style for furniture, carpets and fashion outfits.

That's all from science corner this week.

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