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
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).
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.
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
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.
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
