For many, many years the rabbits that lived in the cold, snowy countryside of Canada were white most of the year. Recently, scientists have noticed that many of the white rabbits in the countryside have been replaced by gray rabbits. Describe how the white fur helped the rabbits survive. Explain why the color of rabbit fur is changing over the years.

Question

For many, many years the rabbits that lived in the cold, snowy countryside of Canada were white most of the year. Recently, scientists have noticed that many of the white rabbits in the countryside have been replaced by gray rabbits. Describe how the white fur helped the rabbits survive. Explain why the color of rabbit fur is changing over the years.

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Please give an explanation! Thank you! :)

Answer 1

The white fur of rabbits in cold, snowy environments is known as seasonal camouflage, which means it helps protect them from predators by blending in with their surroundings. This enables the rabbits to remain hidden from predators such as owls and foxes, allowing them to survive and reproduce.

The change in fur color from white to gray over the years is most likely due to a combination of factors including climate change, evolution, and human impact on the environment. As winters have become shorter and less snowy in some areas, white fur may no longer provide the same level of camouflage. Additionally, gray fur may have become more advantageous due to evolution, as it may be better suited to new environments or provide other benefits such as increased heat retention. Finally, human activities such as hunting may have impacted the rabbit population, creating a selective pressure for those with different colored fur to survive and reproduce.