Question
How did peppered moth populations in the cities change during the industrial revolution?
Answers
GPT 3.5
During the industrial revolution, the peppered moth populations in cities experienced a significant shift in their coloration. Originally, the majority of peppered moths in urban areas had a light coloration, which provided them with camouflage against the lichen-covered bark of trees. However, as industrial pollution increased, the trees became darkened with soot and the light-colored moths became more visible to predators.
As a result, a darker variation of the peppered moth, known as the melanic form, began to thrive in urban areas as they were better camouflaged against the polluted environment. This led to a decrease in the population of light-colored moths and an increase in the population of dark-colored moths in cities during the industrial revolution. This phenomenon is a classic example of natural selection, where organisms with traits that provide them with a survival advantage in their environment are more likely to reproduce and pass on their genes to future generations.
As a result, a darker variation of the peppered moth, known as the melanic form, began to thrive in urban areas as they were better camouflaged against the polluted environment. This led to a decrease in the population of light-colored moths and an increase in the population of dark-colored moths in cities during the industrial revolution. This phenomenon is a classic example of natural selection, where organisms with traits that provide them with a survival advantage in their environment are more likely to reproduce and pass on their genes to future generations.