The rock pocket mouse is a small grey coloured mouse that lives in Mexico. These mice are the main food for owls. Rattlesnakes also feed on these mice.In most areas of Mexico the ground is covered in grey rocks. In one area the ground is covered with black rocks. The black rocks were formed about 1000 years ago when a volcano erupted. Scientists make two observations: • very occasionally a black mouse is born to grey parents due to a mutation • black mice are well camouflaged. Use these observations to explain why most of the mice in this area are black and not the usual grey. – 7621

One thought on “The rock pocket mouse is a small grey coloured mouse that lives in Mexico. These mice are the main food for owls. Rattlesnakes also feed on these mice.In most areas of Mexico the ground is covered in grey rocks. In one area the ground is covered with black rocks. The black rocks were formed about 1000 years ago when a volcano erupted. Scientists make two observations: • very occasionally a black mouse is born to grey parents due to a mutation • black mice are well camouflaged. Use these observations to explain why most of the mice in this area are black and not the usual grey. – 7621”

1. This process is an example of natural selection. Snakes and owls eat the mice, but black mice are less likely to be eaten. These black mice survive and can pass on the gene for black fur to their offspring.

   Reply