Question

A group of scientists led by Dr. Hoekstra proposed that mammals whose fur contrasts with their background are hunted more by predators than mammals whose fur blends in with their background. After conducting several experiments, the scientists published the data depicted in these two graphs. These data

Answer 1

Mammals with fur that contrasts with their background are hunted more by predators than those whose fur blends in. Camouflage as an adaptation for survival is important for mammals. This research provides evidence for the impact of fur coloration on predation rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the study conducted by Dr. Hoekstra and his team, they proposed that mammals with fur that contrasts with their background are hunted more by predators than mammals whose fur blends in. The data collected from experiments supported this hypothesis.

For example, the scientists found that species with fur that contrasted with their background had higher population declines or even local extinctions in hunted sites. On the other hand, species with fur that blended in or small-bodied species that were ignored by hunters exhibited higher population densities in hunted sites.

This research provides evidence for the impact of fur coloration on the predation rates of mammals, highlighting the importance of camouflage as an adaptation for survival.