The monochrome menagerie

The zebra's distinctive coat pattern may confuse predators or help it avoid tsetse flies Photograph: Frank Rumpenhorst/AP

Malayan sun bears have prominent white chest marks that signal dominance Photograph: Barbara Sax/AFP

The emperor tamarin's white moustache is probably used for communication Photograph: Mike Walker/Rex Features

Monochrome colouration can be caused by domestication, as seen in the common cat Photograph: Pat Doyle/Corbis

Madagascan black and white lemur leaping through air Photograph: Martin Harvey/Corbis

The now extinct Quahkah or quagga by Samuel Daniell Photograph: Corbis

Kirk's dik-diks: the spots on their face probably draw attention to scent glands Photograph: Markus Botzek/Corbis

The pattern on a tapir may serve to break up the animal's outline Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA

The giant panda's black eye-patches may reduce glare from sunlight reflected off fur Photograph: Nir Elias/Reuters

A baby Verreaux's sifaka clings to its mother's back Photograph: Chris Hellier/Rex Features

The common marmoset's ear tufts probably help in communication Photograph: Corbis

More colouration to aid communication in the cotton-topped tamarin Photograph: Chris Martin Bahr/Rex Features

The European badger's distinctive face may be a warning to would be attackers Photograph: Richard Austin/Rex Features

Ring-Tailed lemurs use their striped tails in communication Photograph: Kevin Schafer/Corbis

The European magpie Photograph: Richard Austin/Rex Features

An orca or killer whale Photograph: Tom Brakefield/Corbis