Final answer:
True, the contamination of foods by moths and beetles is a serious issue affecting food safety and causing economic and health risks. Moths and beetles can contaminate a wide range of products, leading to the spread of invasive species. As factories have become cleaner with less soot, lighter-colored moths may have regained a survival advantage due to better camouflage against lighter tree bark.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, contamination of foods by moths and beetles is indeed a serious food safety problem. These insects can be contaminants in a variety of settings, including horticultural, agricultural, forestry products, and stored food supplies. Moths and beetles, as well as other pests like the Asian citrus psyllid and fruit flies, can cause widespread damage to food sources both before and after harvest. This contamination poses significant risks to food safety and can lead to economic losses, health risks, and the spread of invasive species.
In relation to the industrial revolution and the distribution of moth color in populations, the phenomenon illustrates an example of natural selection driven by environmental changes. Before the industrial revolution, lighter-colored moths were well-camouflaged against lichen-covered trees, providing protection from predators. However, as pollution increased and soot darkened tree barks, dark-colored moths gained a survival advantage.