Question

instructions
read the passage and answer the following question(s).
rock pocket mouse
the rock pocket mouse is found in rocky habitats throughout the southwestern
united states and mexico. rock pocket mice eat seeds and plants. their predators
include owls, snakes, foxes, and coyotes. while most of the habitats contain light-
colored rocks, some habitats contain dark rocks left behind by lava flows where
volcanic eruptions occurred.
rock pocket mice typically have light fur, but a mutation a at the mc1r gene
expresses the phenotype for dark fur.
scientists have been observing populations of rock pocket mice as evidence of
natural selection and adaptation. they observe the fur color of mice at four
different locations throughout a region over a ten year period. while the mice are
free to move between habitats, the scientists observe that the majority of the
population have fur color that matches the rock color of the habitat. their
observations are shown.
multiple choice 10 points
which statement best explains the population data observed on the dark rocks?
light - colored mice have more genetic variation than black mice.
black mice are better able to avoid predators than light - colored mice.
black mice have fewer offspring than light - colored mice.
light - colored mice are better able to compete for resources than black mice.

Explanation:

The passage mentions that the mice's fur color matches their habitat (dark rocks). Natural selection favors traits that help organisms survive. Black mice on dark rocks are less visible to predators (like owls, snakes, etc.), so they are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to a higher proportion of black mice in the population on dark rocks compared to light - colored mice which would stand out more and be more vulnerable to predators.

Answer:

Black mice are better able to avoid predators than light - colored mice.