Question

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1. the scenario: imagine a species of brown rabbits living in a forest. suddenly, the environment changes, and it begins to snow all year round. one day, a rabbit is born with a mutation for white fur. explain how this one mutation could eventually become an adaptation for the entire rabbit population over the next 100 years. write at least 3-5 sentences:

Explanation:

In the snowy forest, brown rabbits are more visible to predators, but the white - furred mutant rabbit has a camouflage advantage. This rabbit is more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on the white - fur gene. Over time, as white - furred rabbits have higher survival and reproductive rates (due to better camouflage from predators), the frequency of the white - fur allele in the population increases. Through natural selection over 100 years, the white - fur trait becomes more and more common until it is an adaptation (a common trait) for the entire rabbit population.

Answer:

The white - fur mutation gives the rabbit a camouflage advantage in the snowy environment. The white - furred rabbit is less likely to be detected by predators, so it has a higher chance to survive and reproduce. Its offspring inherit the white - fur gene, and as these offspring also have higher survival and reproductive success, the proportion of rabbits with white fur in the population gradually increases. Over 100 years of natural selection, the white - fur trait spreads through the population, and eventually, white fur becomes an adaptation for the entire rabbit population as it enhances the survival and reproductive capabilities of the rabbits in the snowy forest.