What specific stripe pattern characterizes the rump of the Mountain Zebra?
Answer
"Gridiron" pattern
The Mountain zebra (*Equus zebra*) possesses a highly specific marking on its rump that serves as a distinguishing feature: the "gridiron" pattern. This pattern is characterized by tight, mesh-like horizontal stripes that continue until they meet the base of the tail. This contrasts sharply with the stripe patterns found on the hindquarters of other species. For example, the stripes of the Grévy's zebra run clearly to the tail base but lack the tight, interlocking grid structure, and some populations of the Plains zebra can exhibit hindquarter striping that fades significantly or disappears altogether on the lower legs and belly.
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?