Answer:
providing information about the study of populations of rock pocket mice, Chaetodipus intermedius, in Arizona and New Mexico. Based on Figure 1, the researchers studied the distribution of coat colors in the rock pocket mice population across several locations.
The study found that rock pocket mice can have either dark or light fur color, and the melanocortin-1 receptor (MCIR) gene is responsible for determining the coat color phenotype. The MCIR D allele is dominant and results in a dark coat color, while the MCIR d allele is recessive and results in a light coat color.
The researchers also studied three sites on Alavatlow (West Mid, East, and Christmas Pass) and three nearby sites (O'Neill Hills, Tule Mountains, and Sonora 5 km) in Arizona and New Mexico. Based on the results shown in Figure 1, the dark coat color is more prevalent in the Arizona populations, while the light coat color is more prevalent in the New Mexico populations.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the genetics and distribution of coat colors in rock pocket mice populations, which can help in understanding their evolutionary history and adaptation to different environments.