Question

question 10 of 10
some hares have the same coat color all year long. others have white coats
in the winter and brown coats in the summer. variations in their genes
influence when individuals begin to grow the different coat colors. a region
with snowy winters has started experiencing earlier snow melt.
which type of hare is most likely to increase in future generations of the
population?
a. hares that have a brown coat all year
b. hares that grow a white coat later in the fall
c. hares that grow a brown coat earlier in the spring
d. hares that have a white coat all year

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the environmental change

The region has earlier snow melt.

Step2: Consider camouflage needs

Hares need to blend with the environment. If snow melts earlier, a white coat (for winter camouflage) is less useful for a shorter time. A brown coat (for non - snowy, e.g., spring/summer) that comes earlier (when the snow has melted) helps with camouflage.

Step3: Evaluate each option

• Option A: Brown all year may not be optimal as in winter (if there is still some snow) they are less camouflaged.
• Option B: White coat later in fall is good for winter (if snow is there), but with earlier snow melt, the period of benefit of white coat is reduced.
• Option C: Brown coat earlier in spring (when snow has melted) helps with camouflage as the environment is less snowy.
• Option D: White all year is only good if there is snow all year, but with earlier snow melt, this is not the case.

Answer:

C. Hares that grow a brown coat earlier in the spring