Question

the snowshoe hare often molts, or sheds its fur, during different seasons, going from a reddish brown to a white fur color.
the graphs show both the change in coat color in one population of snowshoe hares and the average snow coverage during two periods of the year.
percentage of white hares over time
two graphs showing percentage of white hares over time, one from sep to dec, one from mar to jun
snow coverage over time
two graphs showing snow coverage over time, one from sep to dec, one from mar to jun
source: kumar, a. v., et. al., oecologia, 2020.
which statement best explains the data shown in the graphs?
a hares with seasonal changes in fur color have a survival advantage and are more likely to successfully reproduce.
b hares change their fur color as a result of mating choice during the spring months.
c natural selection allows for mutations to occur during seasonal changes when food is abundant.
d hare fur color changes when sexual maturity occurs in the fall months.

Explanation:

To determine the best explanation, analyze each option:

• Option A: The graphs show that white hare percentage aligns with snow coverage (e.g., more white hares in winter with snow, fewer in spring as snow melts). Seasonal fur color change (camouflage) gives a survival advantage (avoid predators), increasing reproductive success. This matches natural selection/survival advantage logic.
• Option B: Fur color change is tied to snow (environment), not mating choice. Mating choice wouldn’t explain alignment with snow coverage. Eliminate.
• Option C: Natural selection acts on existing traits (like fur color variation), not cause mutations. Mutations are random, not triggered by seasonal food abundance. Eliminate.
• Option D: Fur color change is seasonal (tied to snow, seasons), not sexual maturity. Sexual maturity timing doesn’t align with the graph’s seasonal snow/fur color pattern. Eliminate.

Answer:

A. Hares with seasonal changes in fur color have a survival advantage and are more likely to successfully reproduce.