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Multiple Choice
In the context of organic chemistry and environmental adaptation, how did the peppered moth population become mostly dark-colored during the Industrial Revolution?
A
The dark-colored moths were able to photosynthesize more efficiently than light-colored moths.
B
The dark-colored moths were more attractive to predators, leading to their increased population.
C
The dark-colored moths had a survival advantage due to pollution darkening tree bark.
D
The dark-colored moths were selectively bred by humans for their color.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. This concept is key to understanding the change in the peppered moth population.
Identify the environmental change: During the Industrial Revolution, pollution caused tree bark to darken due to soot and other pollutants. This environmental change is crucial to the survival advantage of the dark-colored moths.
Analyze the survival advantage: The dark-colored moths had a survival advantage because they were better camouflaged against the darkened tree bark, making them less visible to predators compared to the light-colored moths.
Consider the impact on population: As a result of the survival advantage, the dark-colored moths were less likely to be eaten by predators, allowing them to survive longer and reproduce more, leading to an increase in their population.
Reflect on the role of human activity: The change in moth population was not due to selective breeding by humans or any direct human intervention in moth coloration, but rather an indirect consequence of industrial pollution affecting the environment.