Understanding Evolution and Natural Selection

The video explains evolution and natural selection, focusing on how species change over time. It uses the example of the peppered moth to illustrate how environmental changes, like the industrial revolution, can affect species traits. As pollution darkened surfaces, darker moths became more common due to better camouflage. With cleaner air, lighter moths are now reappearing, showing natural selection in action.

What is the primary focus of the introduction to evolution?

• The impact of climate change on evolution

• The fossil record and species change over time

• The role of genetics in evolution

• The importance of biodiversity

Which mechanism is highlighted as a major driver of evolution?

• Genetic mutation

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

• Artificial selection

How do environmental factors influence natural selection?

• By increasing genetic mutations

• By eliminating all variations

• By favoring certain traits over others

• By creating new species

What significant event in London affected the peppered moth population?

• The Great Fire of London

• The Industrial Revolution

• The London Blitz

• The construction of the London Underground

During the Industrial Revolution, why did darker moths have a survival advantage?

• They reproduced more quickly

• They were less visible to predators

• They were more resistant to pollution

• They had a better diet

What was the primary reason for the increase in darker moths by the 1900s?

• Introduction of new moth species

• Genetic mutations favoring dark color

• Increased predation on white moths

• Migration of darker moths to London

What change in the environment led to the return of the white peppered moth?

• Cleaner air due to environmental regulations

• Climate change

• Increased pollution levels

• Introduction of new predators

How did environmental regulations impact the peppered moth population?

• They favored the survival of lighter moths

• They led to a balance between light and dark moths

• They had no impact on moth coloration

• They caused the extinction of darker moths

What does the peppered moth example illustrate about natural selection?

• It is a static process

• It can reverse trends based on environmental changes

• It only affects small populations

• It is unaffected by human activity

What lesson can be learned from the peppered moth's adaptation over time?

• Environmental changes have no impact on species

• Adaptation is a one-time event

• Adaptation is always beneficial

• Species can adapt to changing environments over generations