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Multiple Choice
Which environmental change most likely led to an increase in the number of light-colored moths within a population?
A
A decrease in industrial pollution, resulting in lighter-colored tree bark
B
An increase in predation by birds that prefer dark-colored moths
C
A rise in temperature favoring darker pigmentation
D
A mutation causing moths to become nocturnal
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 reproduce. In this case, the color of the moths affects their ability to blend into their environment and avoid predation.
Analyze the environmental change: A decrease in industrial pollution results in lighter-colored tree bark. This change alters the moths' environment, making it easier for light-colored moths to camouflage and avoid predators.
Evaluate the impact of predation: Birds that prefer dark-colored moths would more easily spot and prey on them if the tree bark is lighter. This would lead to a decrease in the population of dark-colored moths and an increase in light-colored moths.
Consider the other options: A rise in temperature favoring darker pigmentation or a mutation causing moths to become nocturnal are less directly related to the environmental change described. These factors do not explain the increase in light-colored moths as effectively as the change in tree bark color.
Conclude the reasoning: The decrease in industrial pollution, resulting in lighter-colored tree bark, is the most likely environmental change that led to an increase in the number of light-colored moths within the population due to improved camouflage and reduced predation.