Zebra stripes not for camouflage

More than 100 years that's why black and white pattern on Zebra has been a perennial secret. In fact, has invited a lot of debate among scientists. However, after reaching a general consensus that the zebra line is for camouflage. But, it turns to a recent study dispelled that argument.

Scientists from the University of Calgary and UC Davis shows a digital image of a group of zebra. Taken from Tanzania through spatial and color filter, and the simulation shows how the animal will be seen by their primary predators (such as lions and hyenas) as well as other zebra.

Zebra stripes not for camouflage, scientists confirm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1PRypaU)

They also measure the width and luminance or brightness of the lines to estimate their maximum distance which can be detected by different species, using information about their vision.

The study, published in the PLoS ONE journal, found that the stripes on the zebra was not used to camouflage. Predator can smell them and can still see the black and white motif on their body, as reported by Independent on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.

Researchers found, at a distance of 50 meters during the day and at 30 meters at dusk, when most predators hunt, the lines can be detected by humans but difficult for predators to distinguish. On a moonless night lines that make it difficult for all of the species to see zebra exceed nine meters.

Thus, this research says that the lines are not for camouflage, where a strip of black is considered the tree and white is the light that appeared between the trees.

What is the use of black & white pattern on the Zebra?

Amanda Melin, lead author of the study and assistant professor of anthropology biological at the University of Calgary, says, "The longest hypothesis for zebra stripe is crypsis, or camouflage, but until now the question is always through human eyes."

"Instead, we performed a series of calculations in which we were able to estimate the distance at which the lions and hyenas, as well as zebra, can see zebra stripes during the day, dusk, or during a moonless night."

Tim Caro, co-author of the study and associate professor of wildlife biology at UC Davis said, "The results of this new study does not provide any support at all for the idea that the zebra stripes provide some kind of anti-predator camouflage effect.

"On the contrary, we reject the hypothesis that has long been debated by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace."

After reviewing the location of striped animals and a number of variables that overlap, they concluded that the lines it is the evolution of the zebra to avoid blood-sucking flies.

Unlike other African mammals that live in the same area, zebra fur shorter than the length of the mouth of the blood-sucking insects. Making them particularly vulnerable. Allegedly, black and white are the result of evolution (a reaction to the problems they face). To repel those biting insects. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INDEPENDENT]

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