Study: Zebras' stripes keep them cool

Why do zebras have stripes? Depending on the scientist you ask, the answer may be related to camouflage, mating, or even fly repellent. A new study in the journal Royal Society Open Science poses a different explanation entirely: The stripes help zebras stay cool in warm weather.

"Zebra in areas with seasonal cold temperatures are less stripy than those in areas with sustained warm temperatures," UCLA researcher and lead study author Brenda Larison told The Huffington Post.

Of course, the new study's word isn't final, and zebras may have stripes for a number of reasons. Studying the species apparently isn't so black-and-white.

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