A species of fox lives in the artic where the ground is covered in white snow most of the year. These artic foxes hunt rodents and other small mammals, whole 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. (4 points)

Answer 1

The mutation that causes the Arctic fox to have white fur rather than brown would be classified as a beneficial mutation.

1. Camouflage in the Environment: In the Arctic, where the ground is primarily covered in white snow for most of the year, white fur provides excellent camouflage. This adaptation helps the fox blend into its surroundings, making it more difficult for both prey (like rodents) and predators (like eagles, wolves, and polar bears) to detect it.

2. Hunting Efficiency: A fox with white fur would be more successful at hunting because it can stalk and ambush small mammals without being seen. This increased hunting efficiency would enhance its ability to find food, which is crucial for survival in the harsh Arctic environment.

3. Predation Risk: On the flip side, if a fox were to have brown fur in a snowy environment, it would stand out against the white background, making it more vulnerable to its predators. Thus, the white-furred fox is less likely to be caught by predators.

4. Survival Likelihood: Overall, having white fur significantly increases the likelihood of survival for the Arctic fox in its environment. This adaptation supports its ability to hunt effectively while reducing risks from its natural predators.

In summary, the mutation resulting in white fur is beneficial, making the Arctic fox more likely to survive in a snowy environment due to improved camouflage and hunting success.