Question

In the case of peppered moth (Biston betularia), the black-coloured form became dominant over the light-coloured form in England during industrial revolution. This is an example of

• A. Protective mimicry
• B. Inheritance of darker colour character acquired due to the darker environment
• C. Natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected
• D. Appearance of the darker coloured individuals due to very poor sunlight

Answer 1

The correct option is C Natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected

The peppered moth (Biston betularia) is a temperate species of night-flying moth. Peppered moth evolution is often used by educators as an example of natural selection. The evolution of the peppered moth is an evolutionary instance of colour variation in the moth population as a consequence of industrial revolution. Specifically, it is a concept of increase in number of dark-coloured moths due to industrial pollution, and reciprocal decrease of the population under clean environment. Hence, the phenomenon is called as industrial melanism.

So, the correct answer is 'Natural selection whereby the darker forms were selected'