Zebras Are Zazzy! Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

There have been many people who have tried to ride zebras or hitch them to a wagon, so they have essentially proven that zebras can be domesticated and trained. It is, however, a very dangerous endeavor as zebras can be aggressive and downright mean, especially as they get older.

In addition, they are smaller than horses, and would not be as sturdy to ride. Their bodies are also shaped a bit differently than a horse's, so it is difficult to use a normal saddle on them. The bottom line? Even though horses and donkeys are a zebra's closest relatives, zebras have never been tamed for the reasons above.

Answer: True

There are three species of zebra: the plains zebra, that has brown shadow stripes between its black and white stripes, and mountain zebra, with vertical stripes on its neck and torso, and horizontal stripes on its hindquarters, belong to the same subspecies, "Hippotigris". With thinner stripes than the others, Grevy's zebra belongs to its own species of subgenus, "Dolichohippus".

It is interesting to note that even though each species shares a general pattern of stripes, every zebra in every species has a unique set of stripes - much like humans and fingerprints!

Answer: True

It is difficult for other animals to determine how many zebras are in a group when they are all standing together in the tall grass. Researchers also believe it is difficult for biting insects to tell where the individual zebras begin and end; this confusion probably helps to keep them at bay. Recent studies have led scientists to believe that the stripes help disperse up to 70% of the intense, hot African heat, serving as a sort of natural sunscreen.

Answer: Africa

Actually the three different species of zebras have their own domains on the continent. Plains zebras are found in treeless grasslands, as well as woodlands in eastern and southern Africa. Mountain zebras live in South Africa, Namibia, and Angola, while Grévy's zebras are found in the arid grasslands of northern Kenya and Ethiopia.

While their habitats may overlap, the different species do not interbreed.

Answer: Ears

Although there are other indicators of a zebra's mood, its ears tell all! Erect ears normally tell that a zebra is calm and friendly, but they can also signal tension. The ears are also erect when scanning the area for potential danger. If the zebra is frightened, its ears are pushed forward; the ears are pulled backward if angry.

Answer: Bark

Even though they are in the same family as horses, zebras do not necessarily communicate in the same way. Like horses, they may snort to indicate excitement and nicker to greet members of their group. While horses, however, whinny or neigh to locate members of the herd, a zebra will yip or bark.

This sound is described as being more like a wild dog. Zebras also bray loudly like donkeys when they are looking for a mate; this sound can be heard over long distances.

Answer: The breeding stallion

While it is common to see large numbers of zebras in a zeal, the plains and mountain zebras are very social, and live within smaller subgroups. Typically there is a harem, or family group, of one stallion and as many as six mares and their babies. The bachelor stallions live together or alone until they are old enough or strong enough to challenge the breeding stallion.

The Grévy's zebras are not as social, and while they may occasionally live together in a group, do not permanently stay in the same group.

Answer: They form a tight circle.

It is very important for the entire group to remain vigilant, in search for lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas that may attack. When a zebra is attacked, the other zebras typically form a tight circle facing out around the individual. They use their teeth and hooves in order to protect the individual and ward off the attack.

There are also documented instances where the group runs away, except for the breeding stallion, who stays behind to bite or kick the predator.

Answer: Wildebeests

Zebras participate in the great Serengeti wildebeest migration along with Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, eland and impala. It has been estimated that approximately 260,000 zebras, 1.7 million wildebeest and 470,000 gazelles participate in this journey, which is actually an on-going process that covers about 1800 miles.

Answer: Foal

Zebra foals can stand up and walk with the zeal very soon after they are born. They stay close to their mother for at least a year, and drink mother's milk during that time. Even though they may be in a large herd of other zebras, it is typical for zebras to remain close to their families.