Zebra Domestication and Adaptations

The video explores the historical attempts to domesticate zebras by European colonists, focusing on the challenges posed by biting flies and the unique qualities of zebra stripes. Various scientific theories about the purpose of zebra stripes are discussed, with a promising hypothesis suggesting that the stripes deter biting flies. The video also highlights the difficulties faced in zebra domestication due to their strong defensive adaptations and the failure of early 20th-century efforts led by Fritz Bronsart von Schellendorff.

What was one of the main challenges faced by European colonists in Africa?

• Hostile local tribes

• Lack of resources

• Biting flies affecting horses

• Unfavorable climate

Why did the German Empire consider zebras for military use?

• They were immune to diseases affecting horses

• They were more intelligent

• They were easier to train

• They were faster than horses

What was one of the mysteries about zebras that puzzled scientists?

• Their migration patterns

• Their diet

• Their social behavior

• Their striped coats

Which hypothesis about zebra stripes was found unlikely due to lack of evidence?

• All of the above

• Camouflage

• Cooling effect

• Social function

What is a promising hypothesis about the function of zebra stripes?

• They help zebras blend into their surroundings

• They deter biting flies

• They attract mates

• They signal danger to predators

What did experiments reveal about biting flies and striped patterns?

• Flies were indifferent to stripes

• Flies landed more on stripes

• Flies were attracted to stripes

• Flies avoided landing on stripes

What defensive adaptations do zebras have?

• They can run within an hour of birth

• They have venomous bites

• They can camouflage perfectly

• They can fly short distances

What was a major reason for the failure of zebra domestication attempts?

• Zebras' poor health in captivity

• Inability to find enough zebras

• Zebras' strong defensive adaptations

• Lack of interest from the military

What was a consequence of Bronsart's zebra domestication project?

• Development of new military strategies

• Discovery of new zebra species

• Successful breeding of zebras with horses

• Exhaustion of a five-year budget in one year

What was the outcome of the zebra domestication attempts?

• They failed miserably

• They were highly successful

• They resulted in new zebra breeds

• They led to new scientific discoveries