Why Stripes?

by Roy Winkelman

Most students will easily recognize this zebra by its stripes. But why stripes? That question has interested scientists for a long time. And, no doubt, will interest your students as well.

Too often students (and adults as well) expect all science to be “settled.” Asking why a zebra has its stripes will introduce your students to competing theories on a topic that’s easy to grasp.

Spoiler alert: Scientists aren’t sure why a zebra has stripes, but the theory that currently enjoys the most support is probably not one that you or your students thought of. That in itself can be a valuable lesson.

For more stripes, check out our gallery of zebra photos on ClipPix, ETC.