Final answer:
The protein product of the cʰ allele is only active at lower temperatures, which is the most likely explanation for why Himalayan rabbits have dark fur only at their extremities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely explanation for why Himalayan rabbits have dark fur only at their extremities is that the protein product of the cʰ allele is only active at lower temperatures. This means that the gene responsible for producing pigment in the fur of these rabbits only functions properly in cooler areas of their bodies. It is a temperature-sensitive gene product that results in the distinctive coloration seen in Himalayan rabbits.