Question

adaptive melanism describes selection for ______.
a. mottled pigmentation
b. lighter pigmentation
c. darker pigmentation
d. more colorful pigmentation

please select the best answer from the choices provided

a
b
c
d

Explanation:

⚡ Using what you learned: mechanisms of evolution and natural selection

Step 1: Define Melanism

The term "melanism" comes from the word melanin, which is the dark pigment responsible for coloration in the skin, hair, fur, or feathers of many organisms. Therefore, melanism refers to an increased development of dark-colored pigment in the skin or plumage.

Step 2: Connect to Natural Selection

Adaptive melanism is an evolutionary process where natural selection favors individuals with darker coloration because it provides a survival advantage (such as better camouflage against predators in darkened environments, like soot-covered forests during the Industrial Revolution).

Thus, adaptive melanism describes selection for darker pigmentation.

Answer:

C