Ice Turns Himalayan Rabbits Black

Baby Himalayan rabbit Compared to adult

Description:  The Himalayan rabbit is an excellent example of an organism that shows how the environment can affect traits. A rabbit kit (baby) that is exposed to as little as 20 minutes of cold will develop darker fur. Since the ears and feet of a Himalayan rabbit are colder they are generally black in color. In a classic genetics experiment a Himalayan is shaved and then an ice pack is placed on its back. The fur grows back black in the location that was cooled.

Web Resources:  Himalayan Rabbit Markings - Wikipedia , Pathwayz - Genetics/Environment

Chilled and Warm Himalayan rabbit kits

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