Question

Replacement of the lighter-coloured variety of peppered moth (Biston betularia) to its darker variety (Biston carbonaria) in England is the example of

• A. Natural selection
• B. Regeneration
• C. Genetic isolation
• D. Temporal isolation

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Natural selection

In England, before industrialisation in $1860$, it was observed that there were more white-winged moths on tree trunks than dark-winged or melanised moths. But after industrialisation in $1920$, there were more dark-winged moths in the same area. Before industrialisation, the tree trunks were covered by white-coloured lichens. In that background, the white-winged moths survived but the dark-winged moths were eaten by predators. During post industrialisation period, the tree trunks became dark due to industrial smoke and soot. Therefore, the white winged moths could not survive due to predators but dark-winged moths survived, i.e., the moths that were hidden in background survived. Thus, industrial melanism supports evolution by natural selection.

So, the correct answer is 'Natural selection'.