Final answer:
Zebras conserve water through efficient hydration systems and protect their populations through herding behavior. Environmental disturbances affect mammalian species in African grasslands, but ecosystems generally recover. Zebras adapt to physical and social environments, even becoming symbols in human social initiatives.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zebras maintain hydration by having an efficient water-conservation system. They can survive on scarce water by maximizing the moisture they obtain from the grass they eat and minimizing water loss through perspiration. Regarding population growth, the reproductive rate and the survival of offspring, which are protected by herding behavior, are key factors. Herbivores such as zebras often live in herds, with adults defending the young from predators. This social structure aids in their survival and propagation.
Disturbances such as fires or predators impact African grasslands by altering the balance of species. While such disruptions can temporarily reduce the number of mammal species, over time, the ecosystem tends to recover, although the specific composition of species may change. In the case of zebras, diseases such as anthrax could be considered density-dependent factors in regulating their population, as the impact of disease could increase with higher population densities.
Zebras also engage in symbiotic relationships, like the one with ostriches, to enhance survival, demonstrating their ability to adapt to both physical and social environments. Finally, the creative use of zebra mascots for traffic safety in Bolivia highlights the symbolic representation of zebras in social change initiatives.