Question

A species of fox lives in the aritic 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 u classify this mutation as a harmful, beneficial, or neutral mutations? Would this make this fox more or less likely to survive? Explain ur answer:

Answer 1

The mutation causing the arctic fox to have white fur instead of brown fur can be classified as a beneficial mutation, particularly in its specific environment.

Explanation:

1. Camouflage and Survival: The arctic environment, characterized by predominantly white snow for most of the year, makes white fur advantageous for the fox. This camouflage helps the fox to blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to both prey (like rodents and small mammals) and predators (such as eagles, wolves, and polar bears). As a result, the fox with white fur is likely to have an easier time hunting and avoiding being hunted, increasing its chances of survival.

2. Predation: If the fox has brown fur, it may stand out against the snowy backdrop, making it more susceptible to predation. Conversely, the white-furred fox is more adept at evading predators, allowing it to live longer and reproduce more successfully.

3. Environmental Adaptation: In the context of natural selection, traits that improve an organism's chances of survival and reproduction are considered beneficial. Given that the mutation for white fur enhances the fox's ability to survive in its cold, snowy habitat, it would likely turn out to be a beneficial adaptation.

Overall, the white fur mutation would make the arctic fox more likely to survive in its environment, helping it to better fulfill its ecological role as both a predator and prey.