Answer :
Final answer:
The coloring of the peppered moth changed from light to dark during the Industrial Revolution due to environmental pollution that darkened the color of trees. This is an example of directional selection and is known as industrial melanism. Ultimately, moth coloration is a protective mechanism against predators.
Explanation:
When examining mite infestations in moths, it's important to consider the role of the environment in influencing their coloring. This is an example of directional selection, a term used in the field of biology. The species Biston betularia, or the peppered moth, provides a classic example of this phenomenon.
Prior to the 19th century, light-colored, or 'peppered,' moths were the typical variety in England, with dark moths being rare. The light color of these moths made them less visible to predators against the backdrop of light-colored trees. However, the Industrial Revolution brought about significant environmental changes that affected the moth population. The pollution from soot and other industrial wastes darkened tree trunks, rendering the light-colored moths visible and thus vulnerable to predation.
As a result, the darker-colored moths, which were now better camouflaged against the sooty environment, had a survival advantage. This led to an increase in the population of darker moths, a process known as industrial melanism. Once pollution levels decreased, and the trees regained their lighter color, the lighter moths again dominated in urban areas as their survival rate increased.
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