The white-tailed deer is found in the temperate forests of the United States and southern Canada. Its fur color changes from reddish brown to gray-white, and the
texture changes from solid, thick, short hair undercoats to a long, thick, hollow hair. A
scientist observes that this change occurs in regular intervals.
Which feature of temperate forests has led to these adaptations in white-tailed deer?
a) large diversity of deer species
b) large diversity of plants and grasses to eat
c) hot summers and harsh, cold winters
d) variations in precipitation rates