Peppered Moth - Mutations

Peppered Moth - Mutations

By Allison Johnston

Peppered moths are common insects found in many places, including England. Its typical form is shown in the left picture. There is also a form with a mutation that changes its color from the typical peppered pattern to a more solid black color (shown in the middle picture). The picture on the right is an artistic representation of England before the Industrial Revolution.

The Peppered Moth

Multiple Choice

1) Why do you think these pictures were taken with the background they are sitting on (or, why does the typical peppered moth have a dark colored background while the mutated form is on a light colored background)?

• The dark background is for the moths to blend in with flowers.
• The typical peppered moth is on a dark background for camouflage against predators, while the mutated form is on a light background to show its adaptation to cleaner environments.
• The typical peppered moth prefers bright colors to attract mates.
• The mutated form is on a dark background to scare off predators.

Multiple Choice

2) Which form of the peppered moth is less likely to be seen by birds (their main predator) in the picture showing England before the Industrial Revolution? Explain why.

• The brightly colored form of the peppered moth is less likely to be seen by birds.
• The typical form of the peppered moth is less likely to be seen by birds.
• The mutation form of the peppered moth is less likely to be seen by birds.
• The typical form of the peppered moth is more likely to be seen by birds.

During the Industrial Revolution in England, factories were built burning coal with smoke pouring into the sky. The soot collected on trees and buildings nearby. In a short period of time, the population of moths changed.

​

The Peppered Moth - Industrial Revolution

Multiple Choice

3) How do you think the number of typical and mutated moths changed in areas near factories during the Industrial Revolution in England?

• The number of mutated moths increased while the number of typical moths decreased.
• The number of typical moths decreased while the number of mutated moths remained the same.
• The number of typical moths increased while the number of mutated moths decreased.
• Both typical and mutated moths remained unchanged in number.

Multiple Choice

Why did this change occur?

• The change was caused by a sudden climate shift in the 21st century.
• The change occurred due to environmental changes during the Industrial Revolution.
• The change occurred due to advancements in digital technology.
• The change was a result of a global pandemic affecting species.

In the mid-20th century, laws were passed that reduced the amount of air pollution from factories. Over time, the population began to change again.

​

The Peppered Moth - Post - Industrial Revolution

Multiple Choice

5) How do you think the population of moths (typical vs mutated) changed again after air pollution began to decrease? Explain why.

• The population of typical moths decreases while the population of mutated moths increases.
• The population of typical moths increases while the population of mutated moths decreases.
• The population of typical moths decreases and the population of mutated moths also decreases.
• Both typical and mutated moth populations remain unchanged.

Multiple Choice

6) What do you think happened to moths outside areas with factories? Was there a change in the moth population before the industrial revolution compared to afterward? Explain.

• Moths thrived in factory areas after the industrial revolution.
• There was no significant change in moth populations at any time.
• Yes, there was a change in the moth population after the industrial revolution, particularly in areas near factories.
• Moths became extinct in all areas after the industrial revolution.