MHT CET Medical202624 April 2026Evening ShiftBiologyEvolutionActual
Before industrialization in Great Britain, which insects had a higher population?
Options
- ABiston betularia
- BAphid crocci
- CCactoblastis cactorum
- DBiston carbonaria
Correct answer
A. Biston betularia
Step-by-step solution
Before industrialization in Great Britain, the tree trunks were light-colored due to the abundant growth of white lichens. The white-winged moth, Bistonbetularia , was well camouflaged against these light-colored tree trunks and successfully escaped predation by birds. In contrast, the dark-winged melanic moth, Bistoncarbonaria , was easily spotted against the light background and was heavily preyed upon. As a result, Bistonbetularia had a significantly higher population before industrialization. Answer: Biston bet