Question

Industrial melanism as observed in peppered moth proves that :

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

Answer 1

The correct option is B The true black melanic forms arise by a recurring random mutation

Industrial melanism refers to the evolution of dark body colors in animal species that live in habitats blackened by industrial soot. The true black melanic forms of peppered moth arose by a recurring random mutation due to industrial melanism. The phenomenon has been documented in numerous species that hide from predators by blending in with their backgrounds. Peppered moths provide one example.