What is the scientific name of the zebra? Zebras belong to the family Equidae, and the common zebra scientific name is Equus quagga.
They are one of the amazing animals found in the wild, well-known for their familiar black-and-white stripes. Yet much more is there to discover beyond the outer world about the zebra scientific name, types of species, classification, diet, and many more. The article has everything you want to know regarding the scientific name for the zebra, including pronunciation and meaning, as well as taxonomy.
Table of Contents
What Is the Zebra Scientific Name?
Common and Zoological Zebra Names
The scientific name of a zebra always includes the genus Equidae, which places the zebra alongside horses and donkeys. Thus, the biological name of the zebra is quite relevant for species identification.
Scientific Name of a Zebra by Species
Zebras are divided into three species, each with its unique scientific zebra name:
- Plains Zebra: Equus quagga
- Mountain Zebra: Equus zebra
- Grévy’s Zebra: Equus grevyi
These are zoological names for zebras worldwide, while applied in scientific contexts.
Meaning and Origin of Scientific Zebra Name
- Equus: Latin for horse; a reference to the close association with actual horses.
- quagga: Referring to the extinct subspecies of the plains zebra, until fairly recently common in South Africa.
- zebra: From an old Portuguese or Latin word, zevra, probably derived from some African languages.
- grévy’s: In honor of Jules Grévy, former president of France.
Thus, the scientific zebra name is a mixture of biological and historical importance.
How to Pronounce Zebra Scientific Names
| Scientific Name | Pronunciation (IPA) | English Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Equus quagga | /ˈɛk.wəs ˈkwɑː.ɡə/ | EK-wus KWAH-guh |
| Equus zebra | /ˈɛk.wəs ˈziː.brə/ | EK-wus ZEE-bruh |
| Equus grevyi | /ˈɛk.wəs ˈɡrɛv.i.aɪ/ | EK-wus GREV-ee-eye |
Full Biological Classification of Zebra
Zebra Genus and Taxonomic Rank
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Perissodactyla |
| Family | Equidae |
| Genus | Equus |
| Species | quagga, zebra, grevyi |
Zebra Taxonomy between the Family and the Order
Zebra taxonomy describes the hoofed group placement, accounting for similarities between zebras, horses, and donkeys.
Zebra Types and Habitat
Zebra types and their scientific name
1. Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
- Most widely distributed
- Wide stripes, highly social
- Common in East and Southern Africa
2. Mountain zebra (Equus zebra)
Semi-desert in rocky, mountainous terrain
Have a drop down each side of their neck and have vertical stripes
3. Grévy’s zebra (Equus grevyi)
- Largest species of zebra
- Narrow stripes and big ears
- Found in semi-arid areas of Kenya and Ethiopia
These differences clarify zebra taxonomy and contribute to the understanding of zebra evolution.
Zebra Habitat and Geographic Range
- Plains zebra habitat: Found in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
- Mountain zebra habitat: Adapts to hilly, rugged places with transient water availability.
- Grévy’s zebra habitat: Endures in semi-desert areas, dependent on dry grasses.
The habitat influences the distribution and adaptability patterns of zebras, thus making this a domain of paramount importance in zoological studies.
What Do Zebras Eat?
Diet of a Zebra in the Wild
- Grass
- Shrubs
- Leaves
- Twigs
That is what zebras eat during periods of drought.
What Zebras Eat During Drought
- Bark
- Roots
- Tough stems
The zebra’s digestive system enables it to extract more nutrients from dry and fibrous plants.
Sounds Zebras Make to Communicate
Zebra Whinnies and Brays
The sounds made by zebras are as follows:
- Whinnies: Used to maintain social bonds
- Brays: Express distress or are mating calls
- Snorts: Indicate a warning
Zebra Alarm Calls and Communication
They also interpret fluttering ears, nostrils, and tail-posturing to communicate with the herd. Therefore, zebra social communication involves vocal behavior and visual signals, especially body language, to alert herds of potential predators.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Zebra |
| Scientific Names | Equus quagga, Equus zebra, Equus grevyi |
| Genus | Equus |
| Family | Equidae |
| Diet | Herbivore (grasses, shrubs, twigs) |
| Group Name | Dazzle |
| Speed | Up to 65 km/h (40 mph) |
| Lifespan | 20–30 years in the wild |
| Conservation Status | Varies by species (Least Concern to Endangered) |
| Weight | 175–450 kg (386–990 lbs), depending on species |
| Height at Shoulder | 1.2 to 1.5 meters (4 to 5 feet) |
| Body Length | 2.1 to 2.6 meters (6.9 to 8.5 feet) |
| Color and Pattern | Black and white stripes; each zebra has a unique stripe pattern |
| Zebra Sounds | Whinny, bray, snort – used for communication and alerts |
| Habitat | Grasslands, savannas, mountains, and arid regions |
| Famous Appearances | Marty from Madagascar, Featured in Planet Earth |
| Known Relatives | Horses and donkeys (also in the Equus genus) |
| Zebra Species | Plains Zebra, Mountain Zebra, Grévy’s Zebra |
| Zoological Name Use | For scientific classification and wildlife research |
FAQs About Zebra Scientific Name
What is the scientific name of a zebra?
The scientific name of a zebra depends on the species. For example, the plains zebra is Equus quagga, the mountain zebra is Equus zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra is Equus grevyi.
What does the genus “Equus” mean in the classification of zebras?
The genus Equus means “horse” in Latin. This suggests that zebras are closely related to horses and donkeys.
How is the biological name of zebras used in science?
The biological name helps researchers correctly identify zebra species and study their behavior, genetics, and conservation status.
What is the difference between a biological name and a zoological name?
There is no real difference. Both terms refer to the official scientific name used to classify animals like zebras.
Why do zebras have different scientific names?
Each zebra species has its scientific name because they differ in appearance, behavior, and habitat. This helps in proper classification and study.
