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Before the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, most peppered moths found in and around Manchester, England, exhibited light-colored wings speckled with black. After the Industrial Revolution, peppered moths with dark wings became predominant in the area. mc019-1.jpgmc019-2.jpg Which term best describes the change from more light-colored moths to more dark-colored moths?

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Final answer:

Industrial melanism describes the shift from light to dark-colored peppered moths due to the environmental changes brought by the Industrial Revolution, exemplifying directional selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change from more light-colored moths to more dark-colored moths as a result of the Industrial Revolution in and around Manchester, England, is described as industrial melanism, which is a specific type of directional selection. In a pristine environment, the light-colored peppered moths (Biston betularia) were well-camouflaged against tree bark, which reduced their predation by birds. However, as the Industrial Revolution progressed and pollution increased, soot began to accumulate on trees, making the darker colored moths better camouflaged and therefore less prone to predation. This caused the previously rare dark-colored moths to become predominant as they had a selective advantage in the now sooty environment.

User Jack Wilson
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2 votes

Answer:

Evolution

Step-by-step explanation:

Edge 2020 <3

User Nikunj Banka
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