Question

White Sands, New Mexico, is an area of desert where the ground is white instead of dark. Lizards living in other parts of the desert have dar, striped skin. Many lizards of the same species living at White Sands have white skin. Which of the following statements best explains this? (1 point)

Answer 1

The most likely explanation for lizards in White Sands, New Mexico, having white skin while lizards in other parts of the desert have dark, striped skin is related to natural selection and adaptation to their environment. White Sands is characterized by its white sandy terrain, which provides a stark contrast to the darker surroundings found in other desert regions. Lizards with white skin in White Sands are better camouflaged against the light-colored background, giving them a survival advantage over their dark-skinned counterparts. Over time, through the process of natural selection, lizards with white skin have a higher likelihood of passing on their genes, leading to a predominantly white-skinned lizard population in this specific environment. This adaptation enhances their chances of avoiding predators and capturing prey effectively.

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