Chapter 1 Questions: MasteringBiology
How many dark brown mice were caught in the dark-colored soil enclosure on a moonlit night?
12
How many light brown mice were caught in the light-colored soil enclosure on a moonlit night?
18
How many dark brown mice were caught in the light-colored soil enclosure on a moonlit night?
19
How many light brown mice were caught in the dark-colored soil enclosure on a moonlit night?
28
Which condition is optimal for predation by the owl on mice?
Dark nights are better for hunting.
On a moonlit night, would a dark brown mouse be more likely to escape predation by owls on dark- or light-colored soil? What data support your conclusion?
On dark-colored soil; fewer dark brown mice were caught on dark soil than on light soil under a full moon.
On a moonlit night, would a light brown mouse be more likely to escape predation by owls on dark- or light-colored soil? What data support your conclusion?
On light-colored soil; fewer light brown mice were caught on light soil than on dark soil under a full moon.
Is a dark brown mouse on dark-colored soil more likely to escape predation under a full moon or with no moon? What data support your answer?
Under a full moon; the owl caught more dark mice when there was no moon (about 20) than when there was a full moon (about 12).
Is a light brown mouse on light-colored soil more likely to escape predation under a full moon or with no moon? What data support your answer?
Under no moon; the owl caught more light mice when there was a full moon (about 18) than when there was no moon (about 11).
What combination of independent variables led to the highest predation level in enclosures with light-colored soil?
dark brown coat with no moon
Based on both graphs, what condition(s) are most deadly for both colors of mice?
high contrast between the mouse and its background
What combination of independent variables led to the highest predation level in enclosures with dark-colored soil?
light brown coat with full moon
Combining the data shown in both graphs, estimate the total number of mice caught in moonlight versus no-moonlight conditions.
moonlight: about 77 caught; no moonlight: about 95 caught
What are the independent variables, the variables that were manipulated by the researcher?
mouse coat color and the presence or absence of moonlight
Under which conditions would a dark brown mouse be most likely to escape predation at night?
on dark-colored soil with full moon light
Under which conditions would a light brown mouse be most likely to escape predation at night?
on light-colored soil with no moon
What is the dependent variable, the response to the variables being tested?
the number of mice caught
