A population of rabbits has individuals with fur coloring that ranges from white to brown. The population lives in a temperate deciduous forest where the summers are mild and average about 50°F. The winters are often below freezing. If warmer temperatures last longer into the fall and the average temperature in the winter is getting warmer, what do you expect to happen to the population?
Answer
A
The percentage of the population with brown fur will decrease.
B
The percentage of the population with white fur will decrease.
C
The population will increase in size, but the color percentages will remain unchanged.
D
The population will decrease in size, but the color percentages will remain unchanged.
Explanation
Warmer winters and warmer temperatures lasting longer into fall would likely mean less time when white fur provides camouflage in snowy conditions. Rabbits with brown fur would be better camouflaged for more of the year and may be less likely to be caught by predators. Over time, the percentage of rabbits with white fur would decrease, so B is correct.
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