Final answer:
A rabbit with white fur would be appropriate for a white breed fur/wool class, such as the Arctic hare due to its snowy habitat adaptation, or a Himalayan rabbit which has a special temperature-sensitive allele. Natural selection supports white fur in snowy environments, while diversifying selection favors gray and Himalayan rabbits in rocky conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
In regard to the survival and adaptation of rabbits in different environments, natural selection plays a critical role. Referring to the hypothetical populations discussed, white-furred rabbits would thrive in snowy conditions due to their camouflage, making them less visible to predators like foxes. This process of natural selection thus favors the white fur trait in such an environment. However, in rocky environments, gray and Himalayan rabbits display a better ability to blend and survive, leading to what's termed diversifying selection.
From a genetic standpoint, different alleles for the rabbit coat color gene influence fur pigment. The wild-type allele supplies the necessary dosage of fur pigment, while other alleles may result in reduced pigmentation or none at all. The Himalayan phenotype's distinctive coloration is attributed to a temperature-sensitive allele that dictates where fur pigment is produced on the body, resulting in white fur with pigmented extremities.