Question

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 1

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

Explanation:

1. Camouflage: The primary advantage of having white fur in the Arctic environment, where the ground is predominantly covered in snow, is that it provides excellent camouflage. This helps the fox evade its predators, such as eagles and wolves, and aids in hunting its prey, as it can stealthily approach rodents and small mammals that are also in snowy habitats.

2. Survival and Reproduction: Because of the camouflage advantage, arctic foxes with white fur are more likely to survive in their environment compared to those with brown fur, especially during the winter months when snow cover is prevalent. An increased likelihood of survival leads to a higher chance of reproduction, which means that this beneficial trait can be passed on to the next generation.

3. Environmental Adaptation: In summary, the mutation to white fur aligns well with the arctic fox's adaptation to its snowy surroundings. By enhancing the fox's ability to hunt and avoid predation, this mutation is beneficial, making the fox more likely to survive and thrive in its environment.

Therefore, the mutation is beneficial and enhances the fox's likelihood of survival.