Rock Pocket Mouse

Why did the MCr1 gene mutation become prevalent in the rock pocket mouse populations?

• The mutation produced dark colored mice who were better able to survive and reproduce in basalt environments.

• The mutation produced light colored mice who were better able to survive and reproduce in basalt environments.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

For the rock pocket mouse, which of the following contributes to selective pressure favoring dark-colored fur? (Choose all that apply)

• Predators

• Genetic mutations

• Rock color

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Where do rock pocket mice live geographically?

• Northwestern U.S.

• Southwestern U.S.

• Southeastern U.S.

• Northeastern U.S.

Dark mice are more likely to survive in the dark rocks because the predators cannot see them as easily.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

On golden sand, light fur is a ________ trait for the rock pocket mouse.

• adaptive

• non-adaptive

• neutral (neither helpful nor harmful)

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which histogram shows the distribution of traits you would expect BEFORE the lava?

• There would be a variety of colors, with white the most common.

• Golden would be most common, but there could be a few mutations.

• There would be a random mix of fur colors.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Which visual shows the distribution of fur color traits you would expect JUST AFTER the lava?

• Dark fur would be most common, but there could be a few mutations.

• Golden would still be most common, but there could be a few mutations.

• Dark fur would be growing more common, and light fur would be growing less common.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Which histogram shows the distribution of traits you would expect JUST AFTER the lava?

• There would be a variety of colors, with dark or black as the most common.

• Medium brown or gray fur color would be the most common.

• Golden would still be most common, but there could be a few mutations.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Where did the black fur trait come from?

• a random change to a gene for fur color called Mc1r

• the mice changed themselves in order to survive

• parent mice passed on helpful traits to their offspring

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NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

How common are mutations for fur color among the rock pocket mice?

• Rare. But the population of mice is so large that they appear in every generation.

• Very rare. They only appear about once every 100 years.

• Very common. Most mice are born with strange fur colors.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

NGSS.MS-LS3-1