Snowshoe hares can be found living in the Rocky Mountains of New Mexico. During the summer months, when there is no snow on the ground, the snowshoe hare's coat color is typically brown. During the winter months, when the mountains are covered in snow, the snowshoe hare's coat is typically white.

Question

Which statement describes the genetic basis for the seasonal changes in coat color?

The genes that control coat color are regulated by hormone signals that are altered by changes in environmental factors.

Sunlight causes cancer cells to develop in the bodies of snowshoe hares, resulting in an apparent brown-colored coat as a result of hair loss.

The genes that control coat color in snowshoe hares are deleted from the genome during the summer months.

The snow causes mutations in the genes that regulate coat color so that snowshoe hares are adapted to their environment during the winter months.

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Answer 1

The correct statement that describes the genetic basis for the seasonal changes in coat color in snowshoe hares is:

The genes that control coat color are regulated by hormone signals that are altered by changes in environmental factors.

This statement accurately reflects how environmental changes, such as the presence of snow and varying light conditions, can influence hormone levels in the hares, which in turn regulate the expression of genes responsible for the coloration of their fur.