Question

value: 1
how is the moth study an example of natural selection?
o a. the study shows that the already existing populations shifted
in favor of the color that was best suited to the environment.
o b. the dark moths formed as a result of the increased pollution
in the area.
o c. the moth study is not a valid example of natural selection.

Explanation:

Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. In the moth study, initially, light - colored moths were more common as they were camouflaged on light - colored tree bark. When pollution darkened the tree bark, dark - colored moths (which already existed in the population) became better camouflaged. So, the population shifted towards the dark - colored moths (the color best suited to the new environment). Option b is incorrect because the dark moths were not formed due to pollution; they already existed. Option c is incorrect as the moth study is a classic example of natural selection.

Answer:

A. The study shows that the already existing populations shifted in favor of the color that was best suited to the environment.