Final answer:
The fur color of mice depends on dominant and recessive genes and the concept of epistasis. White fur (albino) will occur in homozygous recessive cc genotypes, while natural selection may favor this in snowy environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing the expected fur color of mice using genetic principles, we reference key information such as dominant and recessive alleles, as well as concepts such as epistasis and natural selection. In the given scenario, the mottled agouti coat color (A) is dominant over solid coloration (black or gray), and the presence of the C gene is necessary for any pigmentation.
Mice with homozygous recessive cc genotype will be albino (white fur), regardless of the A gene allele, due to the epistasis of the C gene over the A gene. If we consider a population of mice with available genetic information indicating a phenotypic ratio of offspring, such as 50% black and 50% white, we can infer that the white coloration is due to the cc genotype. Furthermore, in environments like the Arctic, where predators like foxes are present, mice with white fur have an advantage in snowy conditions, highlighting the influence of natural selection in favoring certain traits. Thus, without additional genetic data specific to the referenced population, we predict white mice to be likelier if the population experiences cc genotypes and resides in an environment where white fur affords camouflage against predators.