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NEET
Exam
NEET
Subject
Zoology
Chapter
Evolution

NEET · Zoology · Evolution

What does the shift in moth populations before and after...

What does the shift in moth populations before and after industrialization illustrate?

Options

  1. AThe irrelevance of industrialization to evolution
  2. BThe impact of environmental changes on natural selection
  3. CThe permanent stability of moth populations
  4. DThe introduction of new species due to industrialization

Correct answer

B. The impact of environmental changes on natural selection

Step-by-step solution

Man has bred selected plants and animals for agriculture, horticulture, sport or security. Man has domesticated many. wild animals and crops. This intensive breeding programme has created breeds that differ from other breeds (e.g., dogs) but still are of the same group. It is argued that if within hundreds of years, man could create new breeds, could not nature have done the same over millions of years? Another interesting observation supporting evolution by natural selection comes from England. In a collection of moths made in 1850s, i.e., before industrialisation set in, it was observed that there were more white-winged moths on trees than dark-winged or melanised moths. However, in the collection carried out from the same area, but after industrialisation, i.e., in 1920, there were more dark-winged moths in the same area, i.e., the proportion was reversed.The shift in moth populations before and after industrialization illustrates how environmental changes can impact natural selection and influence which traits become more common in a population.

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