Arctic foxes typically have a white coat in the winter. In summer, when there is no snow on the ground, the foxes typically have a darker coat. Which of the following is most likely responsible for the seasonal change in coat color?
A) The decrease in the amount of daylight in winter causes a change in gene expression, which results in the foxes growing a lighterappearing coat.
B) The diet of the foxes in summer lacks a particular nutrient, which causes the foxes to lose their white coat and grow a darker colored coat.
C) Competition for mates in the spring causes each fox to increase its camouflage with the environment by producing a darkerappearing coat.
D) The lower temperatures in winter denature the pigment molecules in the arctic fox coat, causing the coat to become lighter in color.
Answer: A) The decrease in the amount of daylight in winter causes a change in gene expression, which results in the foxes growing a lighterappearing coat.
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