Genetics Unit Test

Question

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Question
A species of fox lives in the arctic 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 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)

Short Answer Rubric (4 points)
Points Awarded Criteria
4
The answer is very clear.

The answer is fully supported by details.

There may be a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

3
The answer is mostly clear.

The answer is supported by mostly relevant details.

There are a few errors in grammar, usage, or mechanics. Errors do not interfere with meaning.

2
The answer is somewhat clear.

Details are weak or not related.

There are some errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

1
The answer is not clear.

There are few or no supporting details.

There are many errors in grammar, usage, and mechanics. Errors interfere with meaning.

0 The question is not answered.

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the mutation that causes a fox to have white fur instead of brown would be classified as a beneficial mutation. In the arctic environment where the ground is covered in white snow most of the year, the white fur would provide the fox with better camouflage, making it more difficult for predators such as eagles, wolves, and polar bears to spot them. This would increase the likelihood of survival for the white fur foxes as they would be better able to blend in with their surroundings and avoid being preyed upon. Overall, this mutation would give the white fur foxes a survival advantage in their arctic habitat.