Question

Light coloured Peppered Moth / Biston betularia gets changed to its darker carbonaria variety due to :

• A. Translocation of block of genes in response to heavy carbons.
• B. Deletion of gene segment due to industrial pollution.
• C. Mutation of single mendelian gene for survival in smoke laden industrial environment.
• D. Industrial carbon deposited on wings.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Mutation of single mendelian gene for survival in smoke laden industrial environment.

Industrial Melanism is the phenomenon studied by Barnard. Before the industrial revolution, the dull grey forms of peppered moth- Biston betularia were dominant, the Carbonaria form (Black) was rare because it was susceptible to predation by birds. The reason was that it was conspicuously visible while resting on tree trunks.

So, the correct option is 'Mutation of the single Mendelian gene for survival in the smoke-laden industrial environment.'