Question

which of the following best explains the presence of both mice with dark fur and mice with light fur at this location before the lava flow?
a the owls do not hunt mice with light fur.
b there is genetic variation in the mouse population.
c mice with dark fur survive better than mice with light fur.
d the mice can change their fur color to blend in with their environments.

Explanation:

• Option A: Unlikely as owls would likely hunt both types if they are present.
• Option B: Genetic variation allows for different traits (like fur color) to exist in a population. This is a fundamental concept in biology.
• Option C: This is more about survival after a change (like lava flow) rather than the presence before.
• Option D: Mice can't change their fur color like that.

Answer:

B. There is genetic variation in the mouse population.