Why do some animals have stripes or spots?

Stripes and spots are often used by animals for camouflage, communication, and mating. For example, zebras’ stripes help them blend into the grassy landscape, confusing predators and making it harder for them to single out an individual zebra. The spotted coat of a leopard allows it to blend into the dappled light of the forest, making it easier to stalk prey. Stripes and spots can also play a role in social behaviors, such as signaling aggression or attracting mates, as seen in some species of fish and birds.