Question

select the correct answer.
white moths were found in huge numbers in the english city of birmingham. these moths could be easily camouflaged by the trees because white lichen covered the bark. because of sudden industrial development, the citys trees became covered with soot. how will this change affect the population of the white moth?
a. the population will decrease.
b. the population will increase.
c. there will be no change in their population.
d. the population will change their food preferences.

Explanation:

When the trees became covered with soot, the white moths, which were previously camouflaged by the lichen - covered bark, would stand out more against the dark - soot covered trees. This would make them more visible to predators. According to the principles of natural selection, if a trait (in this case, the white color of the moths) makes an organism more vulnerable to predation, the population of organisms with that trait is likely to decrease.

Answer:

A. The population will decrease.