Question

The change of the lighter-coloured variety of peppered moth (Biston betularia) to its darker variety (Biston cabonaria) is due to

• A. mutation
• B. regeneration
• C. genetic isolation
• D. temporal isolation

Answer 1

The correct option is A mutation

Industrial melanism is an example of natural selection where the moths living in the industrial areas developed melanin pigments to match their body to the soot-covered surrounding. It has occurred in several species of moths due to which, they hide themselves from the predators. This melanisation helps the black moths to escape from being picked up by birds which otherwise picked white moths (which were easily noticeable on the root covered trees).
This change from lighter to darker color takes place due to mutation in single gene.
So, the correct answer is 'mutation'.