Answer/Explanation:
A. The evolutionary fitness of a species represents its capability to reproduce and survive, contributing its genes significantly to the gene pool in subsequent generations.
The scientists can compute the evolutionary fitness of the mice in their study by assessing the relative survival and reproduction rates of each genotype present in the mice. Essentially, it is the survival and/or reproduction rate of each genotype divided by the maximum rate among the genotypes in the population. Alternatively, they may also simply calculate the relative fitness of each phenotype observed in the mice.
B. The independent variable in this experiment is the variable being altered to observe its effect on the dependent variable. The different environments serve as the independent variable affecting fur color.
C. The proposed null hypothesis may state:
Natural selection does not influence the fur color in mice.
Or
There is no impact of environmental variation on mice fur color.
D. Changes in allele frequencies concerning fur color, as evidenced in the experiment, largely stem from natural selection. This phenomenon is described as diversifying selection, where mice that blend with their environment are prioritized over those with intermediate characteristics. Individuals that struggle to camouflage are more likely to fall prey to birds, reducing the numbers of those who do not exhibit extreme colorations.
The scientists' assertions are supported by the observation that fur color frequencies will adjust over time as a result of natural selection processes.
