MHT CET Medical202625 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyEvolutionActual
The industrial melanism phenomenon demonstrates __________
Options
- AIsolation
- BGenetic drift
- Cnatural selection
- Dmigration
Correct answer
C. natural selection
Step-by-step solution
Industrial melanism is a classic example of natural selection in action. Before the industrial revolution in England, light-colored peppered moths were well camouflaged against the light-colored lichens on tree trunks, while dark-colored (melanic) moths were easily spotted and preyed upon by birds. As industrial pollution increased, soot darkened the tree trunks and killed the lichens. This environmental change made the light-colored moths more visible to predators, whereas the dark-colored moths became better camo