During the 1800s, the darker phenotype of the peppered moth in England became more abundant than the normal peppered phenotype after pollution from factories turned the oaks in the region from white to black. Did this adaptation of a darker phenotype remain an adaptation once the pollution was reduced and the trees became white again?(1 point)

Question

Responses

Yes, once an adaptation evolves, it will always be an adaptation as it always gives the individual an advantage in any environment.
Yes, once an adaptation evolves, it will always be an adaptation as it always gives the individual an advantage in any environment.

No, adaptations disappear once they have been taken out of their environment because they always produce negative effects outside of their environment.
No, adaptations disappear once they have been taken out of their environment because they always produce negative effects outside of their environment.

Yes, once an adaptation evolves, it will always be an adaptation because the individual can use it in a variety of beneficial ways depending on the environment.
Yes, once an adaptation evolves, it will always be an adaptation because the individual can use it in a variety of beneficial ways depending on the environment.

No, adaptations are very specific to the environment in which they evolve, so taking it out of that environment risks losing the advantage it gives.

Answer 1

No, adaptations are very specific to the environment in which they evolve, so taking it out of that environment risks losing the advantage it gives.

In the case of the peppered moth, the darker phenotype was advantageous in a polluted environment where the trees were black, but once pollution was reduced and the trees became lighter again, the lighter phenotype likely had the advantage. Therefore, the adaptation was context-dependent and would not remain advantageous in a different environment.