Natural Selection and the Peppered Moth

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What is natural selection?

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Natural selection is the process by which organisms with traits well-suited to their environment reproduce at a greater rate than less well-adapted organisms.

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What is adaptation?

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Adaptation is a trait that helps an organism survive in its environment.

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What does industrial melanism refer to?

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Industrial melanism refers to the evolution of dark body colors in animal species that live in habitats blackened by soot.

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What are carbonaria moths?

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Carbonaria moths are moths that have more dark spots than the average moth.

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What is the role of predators in natural selection?

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Predators can influence natural selection by preying on individuals that are less adapted to their environment.

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How does camouflage help organisms?

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Camouflage helps organisms blend into their environment, making it harder for predators to spot them.

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What is the significance of the peppered moth in studying natural selection?

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The peppered moth is a classic example of natural selection, showing how environmental changes can lead to changes in population traits.

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What is a trait?

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A trait is a characteristic or feature of an organism, which can be physical or behavioral.

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What is the difference between mutation and natural selection?

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Mutation is a change in an organism's DNA, while natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more common in a population due to their advantages.

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What is the impact of pollution on moth populations?

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Pollution can change the environment, leading to changes in moth populations, such as the prevalence of darker moths due to industrial melanism.