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

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)
Responses

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

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

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

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

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The most likely scenario is: **The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.** This is because the increased average temperature and shorter winters may lead to less snow cover, which would reduce the camouflage advantage for white-furred rabbits. As a result, brown-furred rabbits, which are better adapted to the warmer conditions and potentially more visible in the changing landscape, may have a better chance of survival and reproduction, leading to a decline in the proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population.