Some animals have stripes or spots for various reasons, including camouflage, warning signals, and social communication. Camouflage helps animals blend into their surroundings to hide from predators or sneak up on prey. Stripes or spots can also serve as warning signals to potential predators that the animal is toxic or dangerous. In addition, these patterns can help animals identify members of their own species, attract mates, or establish dominance within a group.