Question

Population of rock pocket mice in Arizona. These mice live on a recently discovered

patch of dark-colored volcanic rock. This environment does not have nearly as many visual predators as in previously
studied areas in New Mexico. You observed the following numbers of light- and dark-colored mice on this new patch
of rock.

In one or two sentences, summarize the data presented in the graph.

Provide one possible hypothesis that would explain the observed data. Be sure to include the following key words in your answer: "selection" (or "selective"), "fitness" (or "fit"), and "survival" (or "survive")

Answer 1

In the new population of rock pocket mice living on dark-colored volcanic rock in Arizona, there are more dark-colored mice than light-colored mice. This suggests that dark-colored mice have a higher fitness and survival advantage on the dark-colored volcanic rock.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the new population of rock pocket mice living on dark-colored volcanic rock in Arizona, there are more dark-colored mice than light-colored mice. This suggests that there is a higher frequency of dark-colored mice in this particular environment.

One possible hypothesis to explain the observed data is that dark-colored mice have a higher fitness and survival advantage on the dark-colored volcanic rock. They are better able to hide from predators, which results in higher survival rates and ultimately a higher frequency of dark-colored mice in the population. This is an example of selective or natural selection favoring darker phenotypes in this specific environment.