Rock Pocket Mice and Predation
Resource Type
Duration
00:00:20Description
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
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