The Geometric Patterns of Zebras and of Transgenic Mice Are Directed by Specific Genes: The Geometry of Mammals Becomes Also Molecular

Abstract

No other African animal displays such an attractive body geometry than the zebra. It is so distinct that it cannot be easily confused with any other species roaming on the savanna. Yet it appears as highly complex. Black stripes alternate with white ones that tend to be parallel to each other. Surprisingly they change their orientation by as much as 90 degrees within the same individual. They may have a longitudinal or a transversal orientation along the body axis and in some regions they occupy an intermediate direction being oblique.

Sources of Figures

Fig. 7.1 (1) and (2) Wilson, D.E. and Mittermeier, R.A. (Editors) 2011. Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain (Vol. 2, Plate 5, Nr. 3 and Nr. 4). (3) Wilson, D.E. and Mittermeier, R.A. (Editors) 2011. Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain (Vol. 2, Plate 56, Nr. 2). (4) Wilson, D.E. and Mittermeier, R.A. (Editors) 2011. Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain (Vol. 2, photograph page 137). (5) Wilson, D.E. and Mittermeier, R.A. (Editors) 2011.Handbook of the Mammals of the World, Vol. 2. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain (Vol. 2, Plate 5, Nr. 5).

Fig. 7.2 (1) Gray, A.P. 1972. Mammalian Hybrids. Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux, Farnham Royal, Slough SL2 3BN, UK. Photograph on front page, Syndication International, London, UK. (2) Extinct Quagga, Photograph taken at Regent’s Park Zoo, London, UK in 1870 (copyright has expired). (3) Grassé, P.P. 1977. Larousse Animal Portraits. Hamlyn, London, UK (Fig. facing page 22. Parchment in the French National Museum of Natural History, Paris, painted by Nicolas Maréchal in 1793, Vol. 72, Nr. 93).

Fig. 7.3 Original diagram. Not to be reproduced without the complete reference to this work.

Fig. 7.4 Mintz, B. and Illmensee, K. 1975. Normal genetically mosaic mice produced from malignant teratocarcinoma cells. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 72: 3585–3589 (Fig. 1, page 3586).