Question

Mention any two examples of evolution by anthropogenic action.

Answer 1

Anthropogenic actions

It refer to the activities that are caused by human beings.

Examples to show evolution due to anthropogenic action are as follows:
1. Industrial melanism:

• Before industrialization, white-colored moths were more due to camouflage with the covered lichen white bark of trees.
• The dark-colored moth was unprotected because it was not hidden from predators.
• After industrialization, the situation reversed due to the deposition of soot on the bark of a tree and the death of lichen.
• Now dark-colored moths were able to hide in the dark background and white moths became vulnerable.
  2. Overuse of DDT, to kill mosquitoes ultimately resulted in the evolution of a resistant variety of mosquitoes towards DDT.
  3. Overuse of antibiotics has resulted in the evolution of a resistant variety of bacteria.
  4. Overuse of weedicides and pesticides has resulted in the evolution of a resistant variety of weeds and pests respectively.
  5. Moreover according to some scientists, diversification, and evolution of various types of finches from one common ancestor in Galapagos island found by Darwin may be a result of anthropogenic action.