In <5417h1$32ag at uvaix3e1.comp.UVic.CA> mholmes at uvaix.uvic.ca (Martin
Holmes) writes:
>>Given the fact that rabbits are rather defenceless prey animals that
>spend almost all of their life outside the warren eating against a
>green background, why haven't they evolved to be green? And why has no
>other similar mammal evolved green skin or fur, while many insects
>have?
Well, I suspect that green fur would make it more difficult for them
(despite no color vision?) to find mates. A fur color that fades too
well into the background would be a mechanism selected _against_.
The rabbit's main advantage is the ability to outpace their predators
in the act of procreation.
And if you think that above is an authoritative answer, I want to know
what you're smoking... :-)
(I just couldn't help the thought that came into mind when I saw this,
given the rabbit rate of reproduction. But it sounds convincing,
doesn't it?)
--
John R. Campbell, Speaker to Machines, Resident Heckler soup at jtan.com
"As a SysAdmin, yes, I CAN read your e-mail, but I DON'T get that bored!"-me
Disclaimer: I'm just a consultant at the bottom of the food chain, so,
if you're thinking I speak for anyone but myself, you must
have more lawyers than sense.
