From deterring flies to regulating heat, there are
several theories when it comes to the evolutionary
purpose of a zebra’s stripes. But one thing is
certain – these monochrome markings can help
researchers with identification. Each species
(the Burchell’s, a subspecies of the plains zebra,
is pictured here) has stripes that di er in pattern,
orientation and thickness. But it doesn’t stop
there – it’s even possible to tell apart individuals,
as their black-and-white lines are as unique as
Theo Allofs/Minden/naturepl.comfingerprints... or barcodes.
IN FOCUS^ | No two alike