Answer :
During the Industrial Revolution, peppered moths adapted to environmental changes. Darkened tree bark favored black moths, illustrating natural selection. This evolutionary shift demonstrates adaptation to human-induced alterations in the environment.
The change in the coloration of peppered moths during the Industrial Revolution is a classic example of natural selection driven by environmental changes. Before industrialization, the predominant color of peppered moths was speckled, which provided them with effective camouflage against lichen-covered tree trunks.
However, as industrialization progressed, soot and pollutants from factories darkened the bark of trees near major cities. In this altered environment, the speckled moths became more visible to predators, making them easier targets. On the other hand, the rare dark-colored (melanic) moths had better camouflage against the darkened tree bark, making them less likely to be spotted and eaten by predators.
As a result of this environmental change, the frequency of dark-colored moths increased in the population, while the speckled moths became less prevalent. This shift in the population's coloration is a clear example of natural selection, where the traits that offer better survival advantages become more common over time.
This phenomenon is often cited as evidence of evolution by natural selection and is a well-known case study in the field of biology and ecology. It highlights how environmental changes can drive shifts in the characteristics of populations, leading to adaptations that enhance the survival and reproductive success of individuals with certain traits.
Q- During the industrial revolution, the tree bark around major cities darkened. the population of peppered moths went from being predominantly speckled to being predominantly black.
