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?

Question

1.The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population increases.
2.Both white- and brown-furred rabbits increase.
3.The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.
4.Both white- and brown-furred rabbits decline.

Answer 1

3. The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.

This is because with a shorter winter, there may not be as much advantage for the white-furred rabbits to blend in with the snow, potentially making them more vulnerable to predators. In contrast, the brown-furred rabbits may have an advantage in the changing ecosystem, leading to a decline in the proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population.