A mutation in the artic fox causes the fox to have white fur rather of brown. Given this information, would this mutation be classified as harmful, beneficial or neutral mutation? Would this make the fox more or less likely to survive? Explain your answer.
The mutation in the arctic fox that causes it to have white fur instead of brown would be classified as a beneficial mutation. This is because the white fur would provide the fox with an advantage in its natural habitat, which is predominantly snowy and icy. The white fur allows the fox to blend in with its surroundings, making it harder for predators to spot it and increasing its chances of survival.
In terms of survival, the mutation makes the fox more likely to survive. The white fur provides camouflage, enabling the fox to effectively hunt for prey and evade predators. It allows the fox to remain undetected while stalking its prey, increasing its chances of successfully securing food.
Additionally, the white fur also helps the fox to maintain warmth in the extreme cold of the arctic environment, which is crucial for its survival. The brown fur would have provided less camouflage and possibly made the fox more visible to predators, making it more vulnerable and reducing its probability of survival.
In summary, the mutation causing white fur in the arctic fox is beneficial as it improves its chances of survival in its snowy habitat by providing camouflage and insulation from the cold.