Question

Industrial melanism as observed in peppered moths proves that

• A. Melanism is pollution-generated
• B. The melanic form of the moth has no selective advantage over lighter forms in industrial areas
• C. The lighter form moth has no selective advantage in either polluted or non-polluted areas
• D. The true black melanic forms arise by a recurring random mutation

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Melanism is pollution-generated

The correct option is A.

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Industrial melanism is the evolutionary process in which darker individuals come to predominate the lighter ones as a result of natural selection.
2. In 1848, a black form of the peppered moth was recorded in Manchester during the industrial revolution.
3. During this time, the pollution was severe and it blackened the barks of trees.
4. As a result, the peppered moth was not able to camouflage and thus was predated upon.
5. A black melanic form of the peppered moth arose, which gave it a selective advantage in industrial areas due to its phenotype.

Final answer: Industrial melanism as observed in peppered moths proves that melanism is pollution-generated.