Question

question 6 of 10
an experiment is performed with peppered moths. the table below shows the populations of light - colored moths and dark - colored moths before and after the trees turned black.

which is the best hypothesis for why the white - colored moth population decreased?
a. the dark - colored moths were more fit.
b. the white - colored moths adapted to being darker.
c. the light - colored moths mutated.
d. the light - colored moths could not reproduce.

Explanation:

In the environment with dark - colored trees, the dark - colored moths had a higher ending population. This indicates that they were better able to survive (more fit) in that environment. Option B is incorrect as the data shows a decrease in white - colored moths, not an adaptation to be darker. Option C (mutation) is not supported by the data. Option D (could not reproduce) is also not indicated by the population changes in the table. The key concept here is natural selection where organisms that are better adapted (more fit) to their environment have higher survival and reproduction rates.

Answer:

A. The dark - colored moths were more fit.