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Rock Pocket Mice and Predation

Topic

  • Evolution
  • Natural Selection

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Animations

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:00:20
Saved By
10 Users
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Description

This animation shows why different fur colors can be advantageous to mice in different environments.

Rock pocket mice can have either light-colored or dark-colored fur. As shown in the animation, mice that blend in with their surroundings are harder for owls and other predators to see. The dark-colored mouse is more vulnerable to predators in light-colored environments, such as sandy deserts. The light-colored mouse is more vulnerable in dark-colored environments, such as areas covered by lava rocks.

This animation is a clip from a 2005 Holiday Lecture Series, Evolution: Constant Change and Common Threads. Depending on students’ background, it may be helpful to pause the animation at various points to discuss the different scenarios presented.

Key Terms

camouflage, fitness, owl, predator, selective advantage, variation

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.04.05

Materials

Large (MOV) 1 MB
Large (WMV) 1 MB
Small (MOV) 0.5 MB
Small (WMV) 0.5 MB
Transcript (PDF) 9 KB

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