Mammals
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Zebra. (2026). In Q-files Encyclopedia, Life, Mammals. Retrieved from
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"Zebra." Life, Mammals, Q-files Encyclopedia, 24 Mar. 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/life/mammals/zebra.
Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.
Zebra 2026. Life, Mammals. Retrieved 22 September 2026, from
https://www.q-files.com/life/mammals/zebra
Life, Mammals, s.v. "Zebra," accessed September 22, 2026.
https://www.q-files.com/life/mammals/zebra
Zebra
Many members of the horse family have beautiful colouring or markings, but the zebra is the most spectacular of all. The black and white stripes, which are unique to each zebra, may serve as camouflage seen from a distance against the long grass; or as a means of confusing predators by making it hard for them to pick out individual zebras; or a way for zebras to recognize each other. The markings also camouflage the zebra against the tsetse fly, which spreads sleeping sickness. Zebras gather in herds to graze on the savanna plains or scrublands of Africa. Their main diet is grass, but they also eat bark, leaves, buds and fruit.
Herd grazing
Zebras live in family groups, known as "harems", consisting of a male (stallion) a number of females and their foals. Male zebras will fight for the right to lead a harem. When attacked by predators, such as hyenas or wild dogs, a zebra group will try to huddle together around the foals while the stallion attempts to ward them off.
Where food is plentiful, especially on the savanna, these groups come together to form herds of sometimes thousands of individuals, but the family ties remain strong with in the herd.
Skull
This zebra skull shows the slicing front teeth for biting off blades of grass and the grinding back teeth for chewing. The jaw is deep and muscular to crush tough grasses. The teeth keep on growing throughout the zebra's life so that they are not worn away by constant feeding.
Zebra species
There are three species of zebra: the plains (Burchell's) zebra, the Grévy's zebra and the mountain zebra. The plains zebra is the commonest species. The mountain zebra of southwest Africa has a white belly and narrower stripes than the plains zebra. Grévy's zebra is the largest type, and has a long, narrow head.
Consultant: Chris Jarvis
pics
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