Question

Question
A scientist sets up terrariums in a laboratory and observes the growth of lizards in each terrarium. Which of the following observations could be used as evidence that the amount of space in an environment can affect an animal's growth?(1 point)
Responses

Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in the same terrarium.
Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in the same terrarium.

Two different species of lizard grow to different sizes in the same terrarium.
Two different species of lizard grow to different sizes in the same terrarium.

Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in terrariums with different food supplies.
Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in terrariums with different food supplies.

Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in different-sized terrariums.
Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in different-sized terrariums.

Answer 1

A species of fox lives in the arctic where the ground is covered in white snow most of the year. These arctic foxes hunt rodents and other small mammals, while their predators include eagles, wolves, and polar bears. A mutation in its DNA causes a fox to have white fur rather than brown. Given this information, would you classify this mutation as a harmful, beneficial, or neutral mutation? Would this make the fox more or less likely to survive? Explain your answer.

Answer 2

The observation that could be used as evidence that the amount of space in an environment can affect an animal's growth is:

**Two lizards of the same species grow to different sizes in different-sized terrariums.**

This observation directly correlates the variable of space (size of the terrarium) with the growth outcomes of the lizards, thereby supporting the idea that space can influence growth.

Answer 3

The mutation that causes the fox to have white fur rather than brown fur would be classified as a **beneficial mutation** in the context of the arctic environment.

### Explanation:

1. **Camouflage:** In an environment where the ground is covered in white snow for most of the year, having white fur would provide better camouflage against predators and for hunting prey. This would enhance the fox's ability to remain hidden from both its predators (eagles, wolves, and polar bears) and its prey (rodents and other small mammals).

2. **Survival Rate:** As a result of better camouflage, the white-furred arctic fox would likely have a higher survival rate. It would be more successful in hunting due to being less visible to its prey and also more likely to avoid detection by its predators.

3. **Reproductive Success:** Additionally, if the white-furred fox is more successful in surviving and hunting, it would likely have better reproductive success, passing on the beneficial mutation to its offspring.

In summary, the mutation for white fur in arctic foxes is beneficial because it enhances the fox's adaptation to its snowy environment, making it more likely to survive and reproduce.