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

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)
• Both white- and brown-furred rabbits decline.
• The proportion of white-furred rabbits in the population declines.
• Both white- and brown-furred rabbits increase.
• 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 with a shorter winter, there may be less of an advantage for white-furred rabbits, which are better camouflaged in snowy environments. As a result, the population may see a shift towards more brown-furred rabbits.