Final answer:
Deer mice exhibit unique habitat distribution because of their ability to adapt chromatically to their surroundings via natural selection, which aids in predator evasion. The deer ked ectoparasite linked to deer mice also shows varied distribution and adaptation due to co-evolution with local host species, influenced by human management of cervid populations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Habitat Distribution and Adaptation of Deer Mice
Deer mice are a unique species in terms of habitat distribution due to their remarkable ability to adapt to various environments. This adaptability is exemplified in how they can camouflage within their respective habitats; for instance, deer mice residing in forests have dark coloring to blend in with the forest floor, whereas those in the Sand Hills exhibit a lighter, sand-like color. This coloration is a result of natural selection, allowing them to hide from predators effectively.
Furthermore, the distribution of deer mice is distinct as it pertains to the deer ked, an ectoparasite whose life history varies with host-specific interactions. The Deer ked, particularly in Fennoscandia, displays a bimodal distribution, segregated by the Baltic Sea into western and eastern populations, with both showing high adaptation to local hosts like the moose and roe deer. This has been influenced by human activities, such as harvesting and cervid population management, leading to varying consequences on the parasite community and distribution patterns.
The potential for the expansion of the deer ked is largely contingent on the availability of hosts and their mobility, alongside the survival rates of the ked off the host. The eastern population of deer ked, which is invasive, demonstrates a greater adaptation to exploiting the moose, whereas the western population has a long co-evolution history with both the moose and roe deer. These adaptations have led to differences in invasion potential based on local host densities and qualities.