Question

The picture depicts three generations of moths over time. In the beginning, the environment was free of air pollution and the light colored moths were more prevalent in the forest against the light colored trees. However, as air pollution started to increase, black colored moths were more prevalent in the forest.

Which hypothesis provides the best explanation as to why the moth populations changed over time?
Responses

A Each moth changed color to adapt to the changing environment.Each moth changed color to adapt to the changing environment.

B As the soot covered trees became more prevalent, lighter colored moths stood out and were eaten.As the soot covered trees became more prevalent, lighter colored moths stood out and were eaten.

C As the environment changed, darker moths were less likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes.As the environment changed, darker moths were less likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their genes.

D The light colored peppered moths avoided predation because they were better adapted among the soot colored trees.

Answer 1

The best hypothesis that explains the change in moth populations over time is:

**B**: As the soot covered trees became more prevalent, lighter colored moths stood out and were eaten.

This hypothesis aligns with the concept of natural selection, where the environment changes— in this case, due to air pollution leading to darker, soot-covered trees—resulting in lighter-colored moths being more visible to predators. Consequently, the darker-colored moths were able to survive and reproduce at a higher rate in the changed environment.