How did the proportion of white bunnies to brown bunnies change after wolves were introduced to the environment? What would be a reasonable explanation for this change?(2)

Question

White bunnies were reduced while brown bunnies grew

Based on the evidence, what is the difference between a dominant trait (white fur) and a predominant trait? (2)

Answer 1

1. After the introduction of wolves to the environment, the proportion of white bunnies decreased while brown bunnies increased. A reasonable explanation for this change is that the white bunnies, having a lighter fur color, were more easily spotted by predators (the wolves) in their natural habitat, making them more vulnerable to predation. In contrast, the brown bunnies blended in better with their surroundings, allowing them to evade capture more effectively and possibly leading to a higher survival rate and reproduction among the brown bunnies.

2. A dominant trait, such as white fur in bunnies, refers to a genetic characteristic that can mask the presence of another trait (recessive trait) when both are present in an individual. In contrast, a predominant trait generally refers to a trait that is more commonly observed in a population, though it doesn't necessarily have the same genetic implications as dominance. Essentially, a dominant trait is defined by its genetic behavior during inheritance, while a predominant trait is defined by its prevalence within a specific population at a given time.