In an ecosystem, the average temperature increases, causing a short winter. There are two varieties of rabbits in this area, white fur rabbits and brown fur rabbits. Which scenario is more likely?

Question

In an ecosystem, the average temperature increases, causing a short winter. There are two varieties of rabbits in this area, white fur rabbits and brown fur rabbits. Which scenario is more likely?

1. Both white and brown fur rabbits decline
2. The proportion of white rabbits in the population increases
3. Both white and brown rabbits increase
4. The proportion of white rabbits in the population decline

Answer 1

2. The proportion of white rabbits in the population increases

This is because the white fur rabbits are better adapted to the short winter due to their ability to blend into the snowy environment, giving them an advantage over the brown fur rabbits. This may result in the white rabbits having a higher survival rate and therefore increasing in proportion within the population.