Question

which explanations support the pattern seen in the graph? select the three correct answers.
a mice that have dark fur and live on sandy - colored rock are easy prey for hungry hawks and owls.
b mice with dark fur cannot survive on black rock because the temperature is too hot.
c mice with dark fur can more easily hide on sandy - colored rock.
d mice born with the agouti trait are more likely to survive to breed and reproduce on sand - colored rock.
e mice with light fur are less likely to survive on black rock than on sandy - colored rock.

Explanation:

This relates to natural selection, where fur color helps mice avoid predators.

• Option A: Dark mice on sandy rock are visible, so they get eaten more, matching the graph's pattern of low dark mouse survival on sand.
• Option D: Agouti (light/sandy-colored) mice blend into sand, so they survive to reproduce more, which aligns with higher numbers of sandy-colored mice on sandy rock.
• Option E: Light mice on black rock are easy prey, so they survive less than on sand, which fits the expected survival pattern.

Options B and C are incorrect: Dark mice survive well on black rock (not temperature-limited), and dark mice cannot hide on sandy rock.

Answer:

A. Mice that have dark fur and live on sandy-colored rock are easy prey for hungry hawks and owls.
D. Mice born with the agouti trait are more likely to survive to breed and reproduce on sand-colored rock.
E. Mice with light fur are less likely to survive on black rock than on sandy-colored rock.