Directions
Part 2: Short Essay:
Most rock pocket mouse populations have sandy-colored fur. This is consistent with the light color of the desert rocks and sand on which they live. However, dark-colored rock pocket mouse populations have been found living on black, basaltic rock formations produced by recent geologic lava flows in the desert. What is the best explanation for the difference in fur color?
Requirements:
- Construct a 2-3 paragraph essay addressing the question above.
- Include the following words or phrases in your short essay explaining how each applies to the color variation seen in the rock pocket mouse:
- mutation
- survival of the fittest
- natural selection, and
- geology drives biology.