What morphological feature aids *E. grevyi* in dissipating heat in its arid environment?
Answer
Proportionally very large, rounded ears
Grévy's zebra (*E. grevyi*), which inhabits drier and more arid regions of East Africa, possesses proportionally very large, rounded ears. This specific morphological adaptation serves a crucial physiological function: helping the animal dissipate excess body heat into the environment, which is essential for survival in hot, arid shrubland and grassland habitats. This feature is one aspect distinguishing it from the Mountain zebra, which prefers cooler, mountainous terrain, and it contributes to its overall distinct morphology separating it into the *Dolichohippus* subgenus.
Related Questions
What scientific Order includes the zebra alongside rhinos and tapirs?Which genus do the zebra, horses, and asses share based on scientific classification?Which three species comprise the current recognized zebra grouping?Which feature distinguishes the Mountain Zebra (*Equus zebra*) from Grévy's zebra?What distinct subgenus houses Grévy's zebra (*Equus grevyi*)?What specific stripe pattern characterizes the rump of the Mountain Zebra?How was the extinct Quagga classified in relation to *Equus quagga*?What taxonomic name is currently used for the Plains Zebra?What morphological feature aids *E. grevyi* in dissipating heat in its arid environment?What structural characteristic do zebras, rhinos, and tapirs share from their common ancestor?