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Multiple Choice
What was the primary factor causing the change in the color of the peppered moths during the Industrial Revolution in England?
A
A sudden mutation that made all moths darker overnight
B
Migration of darker moths from other regions
C
Increased predation due to changes in tree bark coloration from industrial soot
D
Changes in moth diet leading to darker pigmentation
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: The problem is about the change in the color of peppered moths during the Industrial Revolution in England. This is a classic example of natural selection in response to environmental changes.
Identify the key environmental change: During the Industrial Revolution, soot from factories darkened tree bark, which altered the moths' habitat and camouflage effectiveness.
Analyze the selective pressure: Lighter-colored moths, which were previously camouflaged against lichen-covered trees, became more visible to predators on soot-darkened trees. Darker moths, on the other hand, were better camouflaged and thus had a survival advantage.
Understand the mechanism of change: The change in moth coloration was not due to a sudden mutation or migration but rather the differential survival and reproduction of moths with darker coloration. This is an example of natural selection acting on existing genetic variation in the population.
Conclude the primary factor: The increased predation on lighter-colored moths due to changes in tree bark coloration caused by industrial soot was the main driver of the observed change in the population's coloration.