In an ecosystem, the average temperature increases, causing a shorter winter. There are two varieties of rabbits in this area, white-furred rabbits and brown-furred rabbits. Which scenario is most likely? (1 point)

Question

Responses

The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population increases.
The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population increases.

Both white- and brown-furred rabbits decline.
Both white- and brown-furred rabbits decline.

Both white- and brown-furred rabbits increase.
Both white- and brown-furred rabbits increase.

The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.
The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.

Answer 1

The scenario that is most likely is:

The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.

As the average temperature increases and winter becomes shorter, the white-furred rabbits, which are better adapted to colder and snowy environments, may struggle to survive and reproduce compared to the brown-furred rabbits, which have a coloration that offers better camouflage in warmer environments with less snow. This could lead to a decline in the proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population.