How does life become so diverse? I was recently at a mini-safari with my mom and while looking at all the strange and unique animals from Australia and Africa, it makes me wonder how certain traits develop. Like why do Zebras have stripes? It seems like a bizarre trait to develop and honestly baffles me. I know evolution is responsible, but my question is why life evolved to have such different, strange, and unique forms?

I am an idiot so please explain it to me like I am five. Also sorry if this seems obvious to you... ;_;