Question

Studies of mice inhabiting Gulf and Atlantic coastal areas showed:

A) both have darker coats than mainland mice
B) coat color differences in coastal mice were caused by mutations to the same gene
C) darker mice were less likely to be preyed upon than lighter mice in coastal habitats
D) Members of both populations have darker coat colors than found in the inland mouse population from which they derived
E) the different coat colors seen in the Gulf and Atlantic coastal populations were found to be caused by identical mutations in the same gene that codes for coloration
F) darker mice were found to be less likely to be preyed upon in coastal environments than in inland environments
G) all of the above
H) none of the above

Answer 1

The answer to the studies of Gulf and Atlantic coastal mice is 'all of the above', meaning both populations have darker coats due to genetic mutations that offer a survival advantage, and identical mutations cause coloration in both populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question about the studies of mice inhabiting Gulf and Atlantic coastal areas is G) all of the above. This means that both coastal populations have darker coats than the original inland mice they descended from, the color differences are due to mutations in the same gene, darker mice are less likely to be predated upon in their respective habitats, and identical mutations are responsible for the coloration in both populations.

Genetics plays a critical role in the adaptation and survival of organisms in their environments. In the case of the Gulf and Atlantic coastal mice, their darker coats, which are determined by genes responsible for pigment production, confer a survival advantage. This is a classic example of natural selection, where the mice with coat colors that best fit their environments are less likely to be seen by predators and therefore, more likely to survive and reproduce.

Additionally, it is important to remember that natural selection can result in very specific adaptations, as seen in these mice populations. As mutations occur and are selected for or against in the environment, the genetic makeup of the population can change over time, resulting in distinct variations such as coat color that confer an advantage in survival.