Most mice living on the mainland of Florida are brown, but the mice that live on the sand dunes of the barrier islands have white fur. The differences in color are heritable, determined by genes such as MC1R. It is intuitive that the light color of beach-dwelling mice is an adaptation for blending into their environment—and thus evading predators. Apply Darwin's four postulates to a population of mice living on sand dunes in coastal Florida.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the variation in the population: Observe the population of mice and note any differences in traits, such as fur color, size, or behavior. For example, some mice may have lighter fur while others have darker fur.
2. Determine heritability of traits: Establish whether the observed variations in traits, such as fur color, are heritable. This means that the trait can be passed from parents to offspring through genetic inheritance.
3. Assess differential survival and reproduction: Analyze how the different traits affect the mice's ability to survive and reproduce in their environment. For instance, mice with fur color that blends with the sand dunes may be less visible to predators, increasing their chances of survival and reproduction.
4. Evaluate the non-random survival and reproduction: Consider how the environment influences which traits are advantageous. In this case, the sand dunes may favor mice with lighter fur, leading to a higher survival rate for these individuals compared to those with darker fur.
5. Conclude with natural selection: Understand that over time, the advantageous traits (e.g., lighter fur) become more common in the population due to natural selection, as these traits increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction in the specific environment of the sand dunes.

Key Concepts

Darwin's Four Postulates

Darwin's four postulates are the foundation of the theory of natural selection. They include: variation among individuals in a population, inheritance of traits, differential survival and reproduction, and the influence of traits on survival and reproduction. These principles explain how populations evolve over time as advantageous traits become more common.

Variation in Populations

Variation refers to the differences in physical traits among individuals within a population. In the context of mice living on sand dunes, variation might include differences in fur color, size, or behavior. This diversity is crucial for natural selection, as it provides the raw material for evolution, allowing some individuals to be better suited to their environment.

Adaptation to Environment

Adaptation is the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through natural selection. For mice in coastal Florida, adaptations might include fur color that blends with the sandy environment, enhancing their survival by reducing predation. Over time, these advantageous traits become more prevalent in the population, demonstrating the power of natural selection.