How might global warming result in most grizzly bears having fur that is less dense in the future?

• A. Grizzly bears will consciously shed their dense fur in response to higher temperatures.
• B. All grizzly bears will immediately develop less dense fur due to the direct effect of heat on their genes.
• C. Global warming will cause mutations in all grizzly bears, instantly changing their fur density.
• D. Grizzly bears with less dense fur may survive better in warmer climates and are more likely to reproduce, passing this trait to their offspring.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage in a specific environment are more likely to pass those traits to their offspring.
2. Recognize that traits like fur density are influenced by genetic variation: In a population of grizzly bears, there is natural variation in fur density due to differences in their genetic makeup.
3. Consider the environmental change caused by global warming: As temperatures rise, grizzly bears with less dense fur may have an advantage in warmer climates because they can regulate their body temperature more effectively.
4. Explain how survival and reproduction play a role: Grizzly bears with less dense fur are more likely to survive and reproduce in a warmer environment. Their offspring are more likely to inherit the genetic trait for less dense fur.
5. Conclude with the long-term effect: Over many generations, the frequency of the genetic trait for less dense fur will increase in the population, leading to most grizzly bears having less dense fur in the future.