Question

Studies of mice inhabiting Gulf and Atlantic coastal areas showed:

A. both are darker than mainland mice
B. coat color differences in coastal mice were caused by mutations to the same gene
C. darker mice were less likely to be preyed upon than lighter mice in coastal
D. none of the above

Answer 1

The studies of coastal mice and their coat coloration are relevant to genetics and natural selection, with darker coats often providing better camouflage in certain environments, and this adaptation being influenced by multiple genes and genetic processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Studies of coastal mice and their coat color can be tied directly to concepts of genetics, natural selection, and survival advantages in specific environments. The coat color differences in coastal mice are typically a result of variations in their genetic code influencing traits which can be advantageous for survival in their particular habitat. For example, mice that live in areas with darker soils may have darker coats because this coloration provides better camouflage from predators, a concept rooted in natural selection. This adaptation may not necessarily involve a single gene mutation but rather a complex interaction between multiple genes, such as the gene responsible for pigment production (C) and the gene determining the pattern of coat color (A). When considering the phenotypic ratio in such a context, we note that a solid coat color (such as black or gray) is recessive to the mottled agouti coat color, and this is an example of how traits are inherited and expressed.

In the specific case of coat color and predation, natural selection can constrain changes if intermediate forms are less advantageous, leading to a situation where lighter-colored mice do not evolve darker coats because they would pass through a less fit medium-colored phase. Furthermore, considerations such as genetic drift can also influence the allele frequencies in small or isolated populations, such as islands, where alleles can be lost or fixed by chance. It’s important to remember that not only single gene mutations but also larger chromosomal rearrangements can bring about adaptations that define how a species or population survives in their environment. In summary, multiple genetic mechanisms can influence the adaptation and survival of organisms in various ecosystems.