Final answer:
The color variation in mice is primarily due to natural selection and genetic factors. Mice with light or dark fur coloration have adaptations that enable them to survive in different environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The color variation in mice is primarily due to natural selection and genetic factors. Mice with light or dark fur coloration have adaptations that enable them to survive in different environments. For example, light-colored mice may be better camouflaged in sandy or light-colored habitats, while dark-colored mice may blend in better in darker habitats such as forests.
Fur color in mice is influenced by genes responsible for pigment production. Different alleles or variations of these genes can result in different coat colors. In some cases, dominant alleles may produce mottled or agouti coat colors, while recessive alleles may result in solid or albino coloration.
Overall, the variation in fur color in mice is a result of natural selection and genetic factors that allow them to adapt and survive in different environments.