The pair of population graphs below display the results of two different five-year hunting cycles, one on light trees and one on dark trees. The population of light-colored moths is shown by the light gray dots, and the population of dark moths is shown by the dark gray dots. How do these results demonstrate natural selection?

Question

The pair of population graphs below display the results of two different five-year hunting cycles, one on light trees and one on dark trees. The population of light-colored moths is shown by the light gray dots, and the population of dark moths is shown by the dark gray dots. How do these results demonstrate natural selection?

two graphs of moth populations

Question 5 options:

The moth populations shown here demonstrate random fluctuations over time that are not explained by tree color.

On light trees, individual moths tried to become lighter in color to match the tree background. On dark trees, individual moths tried to become darker in color.

The moths that were the same color as their background were more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, the populations of these well-adapted moths increased

Small particles of tree bark became embedded in the moth's wings, causing the moths to become darker on the dark trees and lighter on the light trees. These acquired traits were then passed down to the next generation of moths, causing the populations to change color over time.

Answer 1

The moths that were the same color as their background were more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, the populations of these well-adapted moths increased. This is known as natural selection, as the individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to pass on those traits to future generations, leading to a change in the overall population over time.