Are Zebras White with Black Stripes or Black with White Stripes?

Zebras are known for their distinctive black and white striped pattern, which is thought to help them blend in with their environment and avoid predators. However, the question of whether zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes is a bit more complex than it might seem.

At first glance, it may seem that zebras are white animals with black stripes. This is because the background color of a zebra's coat is white, and the black stripes stand out against this white background. However, this is not the whole story.

If you were to look at a zebra's hair under a microscope, you would see that each individual hair is actually black. The stripes on a zebra's coat are created by the arrangement and spacing of these black hairs. The white areas between the stripes are created by the absence of black hairs, rather than by the presence of white hairs.

In other words, zebras are actually black animals with white stripes. The white areas between the stripes are created by the absence of pigment, rather than by the presence of white hairs.

It is worth noting that the stripes on a zebra's coat serve a variety of functions. In addition to helping zebras blend in with their environment, the stripes may also help to regulate the animal's body temperature, protect against insect bites, and possibly even serve as a form of social communication.

In conclusion, zebras are black animals with white stripes. The white areas between the stripes are created by the absence of pigment, rather than by the presence of white hairs. The stripes on a zebra's coat serve a variety of functions, including helping the animal blend in with its environment and possibly serving as a form of social communication.