Question

name:
directions: use the information and figures above to fill in the chart below to explain the phenomenon seen in himalayan rabbits.

• claim: make a clear statement about how dna leads to a change in the rabbits fur color.
• evidence: use at least three pieces of evidence from the passage, chart, or diagram.
• reasoning: explain how your evidence supports your claim.

question	how does the dna sequence in himalayan rabbits lead to changes in fur color in response to temperature?
evidence: use at least three pieces of evidence from the passage, chart, or diagram.
reasoning: explain how your evidence supports your claim.

Explanation:

Claim:

The DNA sequence in Himalayan rabbits contains genes that regulate fur color production, and temperature influences the expression of these genes, leading to changes in fur color.

Evidence:

1. Himalayan rabbits have white fur in warm areas (e.g., body) and dark fur in cooler areas (e.g., ears, nose, feet).
2. The enzyme responsible for dark fur pigment production is inactive at higher temperatures and active at lower temperatures.
3. The DNA of Himalayan rabbits has a gene that codes for the pigment - producing enzyme, and its expression is temperature - dependent.

Reasoning:

• The first piece of evidence (fur color variation by body part temperature) shows that temperature is a key factor in fur color change. Since different body parts have different temperatures, and fur color differs accordingly, it suggests a link between temperature and fur color.
• The second piece of evidence (enzyme activity related to temperature) explains the molecular mechanism behind the color change. If the enzyme for pigment is temperature - sensitive, then temperature can control whether pigment is made.
• The third piece of evidence (DNA gene for the enzyme) connects the genetic material (DNA) to the fur color change. The DNA has the instructions for the enzyme, and when the environment (temperature) affects the enzyme's activity, it affects fur color, showing that DNA - coded information is expressed in a temperature - dependent way to change fur color.

Answer:

• Claim: The DNA sequence in Himalayan rabbits contains genes whose expression (related to fur pigment production) is temperature - dependent, leading to changes in fur color.
• Evidence:
• Himalayan rabbits have white fur in warm body regions and dark fur in cooler extremities.
• The pigment - producing enzyme is inactive at high temperatures and active at low temperatures.
• The rabbit’s DNA has a gene coding for the pigment - producing enzyme.
• Reasoning:
• The fur color difference by body part temperature shows temperature’s role in color change.
• The enzyme’s temperature - sensitive activity explains how temperature controls pigment production.
• The DNA - coded enzyme gene links genetic information to the temperature - mediated fur color change, as the gene’s product (enzyme) activity is regulated by temperature to alter fur color.