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Multiple Choice
Which two color variations are commonly observed in the peppered moth (Biston betularia) as a result of natural selection during the Industrial Revolution?
A
Light (typica) and dark (carbonaria)
B
Green and blue
C
Red and yellow
D
Striped and spotted
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. Environmental changes can lead to shifts in the traits that are advantageous for survival.
Learn about the peppered moth (Biston betularia): This species is a classic example of natural selection. During the Industrial Revolution, pollution darkened tree bark due to soot, altering the moth's environment.
Identify the two color variations: The peppered moth has two main color morphs—light (typica) and dark (carbonaria). The light morph was more common before the Industrial Revolution, while the dark morph became more prevalent during the pollution-heavy period.
Understand the survival advantage: The light-colored moths were camouflaged against unpolluted, light-colored tree bark, while the dark-colored moths were camouflaged against soot-darkened tree bark. Predation by birds influenced the survival rates of each morph.
Connect the concept to the question: The two color variations commonly observed in the peppered moth as a result of natural selection during the Industrial Revolution are light (typica) and dark (carbonaria). Other options like green and blue, red and yellow, or striped and spotted are not relevant to this example.