Many arctic organisms have adapted to their environment by changing their fur color from brown to white when there is snow on the ground. The change in fur color is triggered by the shorter daylight hours from fall into winter. These arctic areas are now having fewer months with snow on the ground. How could natural selection play a role in the survival of these organisms?

Question

Many arctic organisms have adapted to their environment by changing their fur color from brown to white when there is snow on the ground. The change in fur color is triggered by the shorter daylight hours from fall into winter. These arctic areas are now having fewer months with snow on the ground. How could natural selection play a role in the survival of these organisms?

Arctic organisms that can change their color later in the fall and earlier in the spring have a better chance for surviving since they will be better camouflaged when there is no snow.

Arctic organisms that do not change their feather/fur colors in the winter will have a better chance of survival since there are fewer months with snow on the ground.

Arctic organisms that can stay white throughout the year will have a better chance of survival since they can live in the snow in the winter, and then migrate to other areas in the summer.

Answer 1

Natural selection may favor those individuals within a population that are able to adapt to changing environments. With less snow cover on the ground, organisms that can change their fur color to match their surroundings may have a better chance at survival as they are able to blend in and avoid predators. Over time, individuals with this advantageous trait may be more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes for color changing capabilities to future generations. This can lead to a population where more individuals are able to change their fur color, increasing their overall chances of survival in changing environmental conditions. Ultimately, natural selection may play a key role in determining which individuals are best suited to survive and thrive in a changing Arctic ecosystem.