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.