Question

a population of rabbits has individuals with fur coloring that ranges from white to brown. the population lives in a temperate deciduous forest where the summers are mild and average about 50°f. the winters are often below freezing.
if warmer temperatures last longer into the fall and the average temperature in the winter is getting warmer, what do you expect to happen to the population?
the percentage of the population with brown fur will decrease.
the percentage of the population with white fur will decrease.
the population will increase in size, but the color percentages will remain unchanged.
the population will decrease in size, but the color percentages will remain unchanged.

Explanation:

In a temperate deciduous forest, white fur might have been an adaptation for winter camouflage (e.g., against snow). If winters are getting warmer (less snow cover for a shorter time), the selective pressure favoring white fur decreases. Brown - furred rabbits would be better camouflaged throughout more of the year (as the forest floor and surroundings are more brown - colored in non - winter months). So, the percentage of the population with white fur will decrease.

Answer:

The percentage of the population with white fur will decrease.