The peppered moth (Biston betularia) can have light or dark coloration. In England, prior to the industrial revolution, they inhabited the birch forests outside of the cities. Here their light coloration helped them blend in with the light colored birch tree trunks. During the industrial revolution, an increase in coal produced air pollution coated the light colored birch trees with soot. The light colored moths disappeared in favor of the dark colored moths.

Question

Hypothesize as to why the peppered moth population changed so drastically in this area.

(1 point)
Responses

The light colored moths were easily seen and eaten by predatory birds, but the darker moths avoided being eaten.
The light colored moths were easily seen and eaten by predatory birds, but the darker moths avoided being eaten.

​​​​​​The light colored moths were killed by the air pollution, but the dark colored moths were unharmed.

​​​​​​The light colored moths were killed by the air pollution, but the dark colored moths were unharmed.

The light colored moths fed on certain plants that were destroyed by the air pollution. The dark colored moths fed on different plants.

The light colored moths fed on certain plants that were destroyed by the air pollution. The dark colored moths fed on different plants.

​​​​​​The light colored moths migrated to a different forest because of the air pollution, but the dark moths were unaffected.

Answer 1

The most accurate hypothesis regarding the drastic change in the peppered moth population is:

The light colored moths were easily seen and eaten by predatory birds, but the darker moths avoided being eaten.

This explanation highlights the concept of natural selection, where during the industrial revolution, the environment changed due to pollution, making lighter moths more visible against the soot-covered trees. As a result, they were more likely to be preyed upon, while the darker moths had a better chance of survival and reproduction in this altered environment.