Which term refers to a collection of small colored areas on a rabbit's fur?

The term "patches" is used to describe a collection of small colored areas on a rabbit's fur because it conveys the idea of distinct, often irregularly shaped sections or blobs of color that can vary in size and placement. Patches typically suggest a larger area of contrasting color rather than individual marks. In the context of rabbit fur, this term captures the varied and often random distribution of colors that can occur in certain breeds.

In contrast, stripes would imply long, narrow lines of color running parallel, which does not accurately represent the distribution seen in patches. Spots and dots refer to smaller, round shapes, emphasizing singular instances of color rather than collections, and therefore do not encompass the broader and more irregular areas denoted by patches. Understanding these distinctions aids in accurately describing the appearance of rabbits based on their fur patterns.