The albino squirrel in the image could benefit from its mutation in a snowy environment, as its light-colored fur may provide better camouflage from predators against the white landscape. Conversely, this same mutation could be harmful in forested or dark environments, where its lack of pigmentation makes it more visible to predators, increasing its risk of being hunted.
Genetic mutations can have harmful or beneficial effects, or no effects at all, on organisms. Look at the image below of an organism with a mutation related to its fur and eyes, and then answer the following question. How could this mutation be helpful to the organism? How could it be harmful?
albino squirrel perching
Grading Considerations
Your answer must include an example of a circumstance/setting in which the mutation could be beneficial and an example of how it could be harmful.
Your answer must directly reference/mention the organism in the image.
Your answer should be 2 sentences in length.
3 answers
Shorten
The albino squirrel could benefit from its light fur in snowy environments by blending in with the surroundings. However, in forested areas, its lack of pigmentation may make it more visible to predators, increasing its risk of being hunted.
1 answer