Which parent's conformation generally dictates the overall body shape and silhouette of a zorse?
Answer
The horse parent's conformation
While the zorse clearly inherits the striking striping pattern from the zebra, the fundamental structural elements, such as the overall build, the slope of the shoulder, and the bone structure, usually align more closely with the domestic horse parent. This results in an animal whose silhouette appears distinctly equine rather than zebra-like, even though the markings suggest its wild ancestry. This influence is likely multifaceted, including genetic contribution and the environment provided by the mare during gestation, which can subtly favor the development of the horse parent's physical form.
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