Imagine a population of rabbits in which most of the rabbits are brown all year. Then a mutation occurs, and one rabbit is born with a coat that turns nearly white in the winter. How might this white coat present an advantage to the rabbit?
A. The white coat would help the rabbit hide from predators when snow fell during the winter.
B. The white coat would help the rabbit stand out against the greens and browns of summer foliage.
C. The white coat would help the rabbit attract a mate more easily than a brown coat.
D. The white coat would help the rabbit stay warmer than a brown coat.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is:
A. The white coat would help the rabbit hide from predators when snow fell during the winter.
Explanation:
The mutation that gives the rabbit a white winter coat provides a form of seasonal camouflage, which can be highly advantageous for survival. In winter, when snow covers the ground, a rabbit with a white coat blends into its surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot. Camouflage is a powerful adaptation in many animal species, helping them avoid detection from predators that rely on sight to locate prey. By blending in with the snowy environment, the white-coated rabbit can decrease its visibility, reducing the likelihood of predation.
In an environment where snow is present during winter months, this trait could lead to a survival advantage. Predators such as foxes, hawks, and owls are less likely to detect a well-camouflaged rabbit, allowing it to survive longer and potentially reproduce. Over time, if this trait proves beneficial for survival and reproduction, natural selection may favor this white coat mutation in areas with snowy winters. Gradually, this advantageous trait could spread throughout the rabbit population, especially in regions with long, snowy winters.
The other options are less plausible as evolutionary advantages in this context. Option B (standing out in summer) would increase predation risk, as the rabbit would be more visible against green or brown foliage, which doesn’t offer a survival benefit. Option C (attracting mates) doesn’t hold, as camouflage generally serves to protect rather than to attract mates. Option D (staying warmer) is unlikely because fur color has minimal effect on warmth; it is more about the thickness and insulation properties of the fur rather than the color.
Thus, the white winter coat mutation offers an advantage primarily by reducing predation risk, giving the rabbit a better chance to survive and pass on this trait in snowy environments.