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

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

Answer 1

The most likely scenario is that the proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines. This is because in a shorter winter, the advantage of having white fur for camouflage in snow-covered environments is reduced, while the advantage of having brown fur for camouflage in a snow-free environment increases. This would lead to a decline in the proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population.