Question

Industrial Melanism is an example of

• A. natural selection
• B. spontaneous generation
• C. use and disuse theory
• D. none of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

natural selection

Industrial Melanism

1. Before industrialisation in England, the population of white-winged moths was large in quantity than dark-winged moths.
2. Industrialisation results in the covering of tree trunks with coal residual and dust, which results in the darkening of a tree trunk.
3. As a result, the white-winged moth could easily be detected on dark tree trunks. Due to this, they became easy prey, and a number of dark-winged moths became more than white-winged moths.

The correct option is (a).

The explanation of the correct option.

1. Industrial Melanism is an example of natural selection as due to the darkening of trees, dark-winged moths became fitter for the environment.

The explanation of the incorrect option.

Option (b)-

1. Spontaneous generation supports that living organisms generate from non-living organisms, so industrial melanism is not an example of spontaneous generation theory.

Option (c)-

1. Use and disuse theory states that the organ which is continuously used by organisms and their generation became more developed.
2. The organ which is not used by organisms becomes degenerative over time, so industrial melanism is not an example of use and disuse theory.

Final Answer: Industrial Melanism is an example of natural selection.