What ecological role do zebras often fill in mixed-species herds by cropping the grass layer?
Answer
They leave behind stems that are too coarse, allowing other species to follow
When grazing alongside other animals, such as wildebeest, zebras actively participate in maximizing biomass extraction from a single patch through coordinated utilization. Zebras readily clip down the grass mat, and in doing so, they frequently leave behind stems that are currently too coarse or too tall for their immediate consumption needs. This action benefits subsequent grazers or browsers, essentially clearing the way by processing the upper or coarser layers, which leads to a multi-stage mowing effect across the savanna over time.
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