The English moth, Biston betularia, is often cited as an example of observed evolution. There are two colors of this moth, light and dark (typica and carbonaria). Kettlewell found that dark moths constituted less than 2% of the population prior to 1848. Then, the frequency of the dark coloration began to increase. By 1898, the 95% of the moths in Manchester and other highly industrialized areas were of the dark color. Using the moth example, analyze the events in order to identify support for the statement: natural selection changes populations,not individuals. Choose ALL that apply.

Question

The English moth, Biston betularia, is often cited as an example of observed evolution. There are two colors of this moth, light and dark (typica and carbonaria). Kettlewell found that dark moths constituted less than 2% of the population prior to 1848. Then, the frequency of the dark coloration began to increase. By 1898, the 95% of the moths in Manchester and other highly industrialized areas were of the dark color. Using the moth example, analyze the events in order to identify support for the statement: natural selection changes populations,not individuals. Choose ALL that apply.
Responses
A	Variation in the population existed.Variation in the population existed.
B	Color variation is a result of different gene combinations.Color variation is a result of different gene combinations.
C	In response to environmental change, each individual moth's coloration changed from light to dark.In response to environmental change, each individual moth's coloration changed from light to dark.
D	Due to natural selection, the ratio of different genetic combinations is changing.Due to natural selection, the ratio of different genetic combinations is changing.
E	Predator pressure resulted in the light colored genotype being removed from the gene pool.

GPT 3.5 · Answer

A, B, D, E

A) Variation in the population existed - This is supported by the fact that there were both light and dark-colored moths in the population before any environmental changes occurred.

B) Color variation is a result of different gene combinations - This is supported by the fact that the light and dark coloration in the moths is determined by different genes.

D) Due to natural selection, the ratio of different genetic combinations is changing - This is supported by the fact that the ratio of dark-colored moths increased in response to environmental changes, indicating that natural selection was acting on the gene combinations in the population.

E) Predator pressure resulted in the light colored genotype being removed from the gene pool - This is supported by the fact that the increase in dark-colored moths coincided with industrialization and pollution, which made the dark coloration more advantageous for camouflage against predators.