During the industrial revolution in England, a population of light-colored moths population fell while a population of dark-colored moths population rose. Both types of moths were usually found on the trunks of trees in cities. Apparently, birds were eating the light-colored moths at a faster rate than they could reproduce. But they were leaving many of the dark-colored moths alone.

Question

During the industrial revolution in England, a population of light-colored moths population fell while a population of dark-colored moths population rose. Both types of moths were usually found on the trunks of trees in cities. Apparently, birds were eating the light-colored moths at a faster rate than they could reproduce. But they were leaving many of the dark-colored moths alone.

What is the BEST explanation for this data?

Evolution is happening before our very eyes—just ask the peppered ...

a
The trees had become coated with soot and the dark moths were better camouflaged.
b
The birds' vision had become impaired.
c
The white moths had become tastier and more desired.
d
Dark-colored moths flew faster than light-colored moths

Answer 1

The best explanation for this data is the option a: The trees had become coated with soot and the dark moths were better camouflaged. This would have allowed the dark-colored moths to better blend in with their environment and avoid being noticed and eaten by the birds, resulting in their population rising while the light-colored moth population fell.