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? a. The peppered moths developed a tolerance to smog and chemical waste. b. The peppered moths adapted an improved sense of sight and smell. c. Over time, the white, speckled moths were outnumbered by plain white moths. d. The population of light-colored moths decreased and the population of dark-colored moths increased.

Question

History

Noe Bates

1 May, 01:27

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? a. The peppered moths developed a tolerance to smog and chemical waste. b. The peppered moths adapted an improved sense of sight and smell. c. Over time, the white, speckled moths were outnumbered by plain white moths. d. The population of light-colored moths decreased and the population of dark-colored moths increased.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Cynthia Harrell · Answer 1

The answer is d. The population of light-colored moths decreased and the population of dark-colored moths increased.

Peppered moth color variation is a good example of natural selection. During the Industrial revolution, due to pollution, trees become darker in the urban area. Light-colored moths were, thus, easy prey. The dark-colored moths were able to camouflage on dark trees and avoid predators. The phenomenon is known as industrial melanism. So, in polluted urban areas, the number of dark-colored peppered moths increased. In the clean environment, were much effective in hiding from predators and they outnumbered the dark-colored moths.