Question

The figures above are the result of an experiment by Hopi Hoekstra and her colleagues, which tested whether coat color affected Oldfield mice fitness. Describe the experiment that was conducted:

1) using dark and light models of Oldfield mice to determine predators' rates in forest and beach habitats.
2) trapping Oldfield mice in both forest and beach habitats and counting whether there were more dark mice in forest habitats or in beach habitats
3) Following Oldfield mice with dark coats in beach habitats to determine whether they reproduced.
4) Conducting late-night surveys in both forest and beach habitats to determine whether predators could see mice with dark or light coats better in either habitat

Answer 1

The question discusses an experiment that explores the survival advantage of coat color in Oldfield mice as a result of natural selection. Similar principles were seen in John Endler's research on Trinidad guppies, where predation influenced coloration. Both studies illustrate how predators and environment exert selective pressures that affect survival and reproduction.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experiment conducted by Hopi Hoekstra and colleagues aimed to explore the impact of coat color on the survival of Oldfield mice, a scenario suggesting the workings of natural selection. The diversity in coat color among Oldfield mice in different environments - darker coats in forests and lighter coats on beaches - indicates adaptation to their respective habitats for better concealment from predators.

John Endler's research on Trinidad guppies provides a similar example of natural selection, where predation pressure influenced the development of more drab colors in guppies from areas with high predation, while guppies in areas without predators developed brighter colors due to sexual selection.

In both cases, the presence of predators and environmental conditions acted as selective pressures influencing the coloration and patterns of survival in these animals. Animals with coloration that offers better camouflage in their specific habitats are less likely to be seen and eaten by predators, thereby having a higher chance of surviving and reproducing, passing on their advantageous traits.