Question

select all the correct answers.
tan mice lived in regions with sandy hills. over time, many of these tan mice migrated to a region with dark - colored hills. eventually, the mice developed certain mutations in the trait for hair color, which made them black. which three statements can you make about these mice?

• black mice can camouflage easily, which provides protection.
• the mutations for black hair will be inherited through natural selection.
• the population of tan mice will increase in the dark - colored hills over time.
• black mice will have a better chance of successfully reaching reproductive age.
• both mice will have an equal chance of successfully reaching reproductive age.

Explanation:

1. In dark-colored hills, black mice blend in (camouflage) better than tan mice, so they are less likely to be preyed on, gaining protective advantage.
2. Since black mice have a survival advantage, they are more likely to reproduce, passing the black hair mutation to offspring through natural selection.
3. The improved camouflage and lower predation risk mean black mice have a higher likelihood of surviving long enough to reach reproductive age compared to tan mice in this environment.
4. Tan mice are more visible in dark hills, so their population will not increase, and they do not have equal reproductive success to black mice.

Answer:

• Black mice can camouflage easily, which provides protection.
• The mutations for black hair will be inherited through natural selection.
• Black mice will have a better chance of successfully reaching reproductive age