The peppered moth, Biston betularia, occurs as light or dark-colored variants. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the light-colored moths were more prevalent because they could camouflage well on lichen-covered trees. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and increasing air pollution, dark-colored moths became more prevalent. What is the type of evolutionary force at work? Why do the darker maths become more prevalent?

Question

The peppered moth, Biston betularia, occurs as light or dark-colored variants. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, the light-colored moths were more prevalent because they could camouflage well on lichen-covered trees. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and increasing air pollution, dark-colored moths became more prevalent. What is the type of evolutionary force at work? Why do the darker maths become more prevalent?

O directional selection, because lighter maths were killed by the air pollution

directional selection, because darker moths escaped being spotted by predators

genetic drift, because lighter mathe ware illed by the air pollution

genetic anft, because darker moths escaped being spotted by predators

(1 point)

Answer 1

Directional selection, because darker moths escaped being spotted by predators. The increasing pollution made lichen-covered trees darker, making the light-colored moths more visible to predators, while the dark-colored moths were able to blend in better and avoid being eaten. This selective pressure caused the darker moths to become more prevalent in the population.