Question

Phenomenon of 'industrial melanism' demonstrates:

• A. Geographical isolation
• B. Reproduction isolation
• C. Natural selection
• D. Induced mutation

Answer 1

The correct option is C Natural selection

Natural selection is the process by which organisms become better adapted to their environment and more likely to survive and produce more offspring. Industrial melanism is a classic example of natural selection. It an adaptation where the peppered moth living in the industrial areas developed melanin pigment to hide from their predators. Before the industrial age, most of the peppered moths in England were white and very few were black. After their habitats become polluted with soot from the coal-fired industries, the white moths were selectively picked up predators because they were clearly visible against blackened trees. On the other hand, dark-colored moths can hide from predators very well and in turn their population rapidly increased.