Question

hares are common prey for foxes. while hares with brown fur are common at lower latitudes, hares with white fur are more common in the arctic where the land is covered in snow for much of the year. explain how natural selection may have selected for the white fur trait in arctic hares.

Answer 1

White fur in arctic hares is a result of natural selection, providing camouflage against snow and increasing survival and reproductive success. Over time, this trait becomes prevalent as it helps hares avoid predation in a snow-covered environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Natural selection has likely selected for the white fur trait in arctic hares because it provides a significant survival advantage in their environment. Since the arctic habitat is predominantly covered with snow for much of the year, hares with white fur are less visible to predators like foxes compared to those with darker fur, which stand out against the snow. This camouflage helps them avoid detection and increases their chances of survival and reproduction. Over time, this advantage means more white-furred hares survive to pass on their genes, leading to the prevalence of the white fur trait in the arctic population.

Arctic foxes, too, are examples of animals well adapted to their environment. They change coat color with the seasons—white in the winter and darker in summer—thanks to temperature-sensitive proteins influencing fur pigmentation. This adaptability allows them to blend into the arctic environment throughout the year effectively, much like the white fur of the arctic hare.