Question

Peppered moths use the adaptation of camouflage as protection from predators. They may have a variety of colors or shades, but before the Industrial Revolution, they were typically white with black speckles. The Industrial Revolution in the 1880s introduced large-scale pollution into the environment. The pollution resulted in widespread, dark-colored staining of buildings and trees.

Which of the following was the most likely effect of the Industrial Revolution on peppered moths in cities?

Answer 1

As a result of the dark-colored staining of buildings and trees caused by pollution during the Industrial Revolution, the environment became darker. This change in the environment resulted in a shift in the frequency of color variation within the peppered moth population.

Before the Industrial Revolution, the white-colored peppered moths were more prevalent because they blended in with the light-colored lichens and tree bark that covered the trees. However, with the increase in pollution and dark-colored staining of buildings and trees, the black-colored peppered moths had an advantage in the new, darker environment as they were better camouflaged and harder to see by predators.

Over time, the frequency of the black-colored peppered moths increased, while the frequency of the white-colored peppered moths decreased. This change in the population's characteristics over time due to environmental pressures is an example of natural selection.

Therefore, the introduction of pollution during the Industrial Revolution resulted in a shift in the color variation of the peppered moth population towards darker individuals, which had a better chance of survival in the new, darker environment.