Patterns in Nature Pendant - Zebra Stripes, Africa, Contemporary

Zebras are several species of African equids (horse family) united by their distinctive black and white striped coats. Their stripes come in different patterns, unique to each individual. They are generally social animals that live in small harems to large herds. Unlike their closest relatives, horses and donkeys, zebras have never been truly domesticated.

It was previously believed that zebras were white animals with black stripes, since some zebras have white underbellies. Embryological evidence, however, shows that the animal's background color is black and the white stripes and bellies are additions. It is likely that the stripes are caused by a combination of factors.

The stripes are typically vertical on the head, neck, forequarters, and main body, with horizontal stripes at the rear and on the legs of the animal.

A wide variety of hypotheses have been proposed to account for the evolution of the striking stripes of zebras. The more traditional of these (1 and 2, below) relate to camouflage.  But the stripes may be used to cool the zebra.Air may move more quickly over black light-absorbing stripes while moving more slowly over white stripes. This would create convection currents around the zebra that would cool it. One study analyzes that zebras have more stripes in hotter habitats.

Made in the U.S.A.  1” x 1” Pendant on 18” cord (20” cord with included cord extender).  Please note as these are hand made and very slight variations may occur as well as an additional day or two of processing might be required. Printed on metal, using our Museum Company® Proprietary Metal Printing Process.

CUSTOM DESIGN & WHOLESALE ORDERS: For a different image, background or custom design, we have the ability to make Custom Pieces in small batches for your Event, Museum, Library, Museum Store or Gift Shop : For Custom Design, Custom Image,  Wholesale or Retail Sales information please call us 303-733-6666 or visit : Custom, Design & Production