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Multiple Choice
Which of the following animals is primarily responsible for preying on the peppered moth (Biston betularia) and influencing its evolution through natural selection?
A
Bats
B
Birds
C
Frogs
D
Foxes
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. Predators play a key role in this process by influencing which traits are advantageous for survival.
Identify the predator responsible for preying on the peppered moth: The peppered moth (Biston betularia) is known to be preyed upon by visual predators that hunt during the day. This is important because the moth's coloration affects its ability to camouflage against tree bark.
Eliminate options based on predator behavior: Bats are nocturnal and rely on echolocation rather than visual cues, making them unlikely to influence the moth's coloration. Frogs and foxes are not primary predators of moths and do not hunt based on visual camouflage.
Focus on birds as the correct answer: Birds are diurnal predators that rely on their vision to locate prey. They are primarily responsible for preying on the peppered moth and influencing its evolution through natural selection.
Connect the predator-prey relationship to evolutionary change: Birds preferentially prey on moths that are less camouflaged against their environment. This selective pressure leads to changes in the frequency of coloration traits in the moth population over time, demonstrating natural selection.