Story Time: A Very Special Moth

The video tells the story of the peppered moth, illustrating natural selection. Initially, light-colored moths camouflaged well against birch trees. Industrial pollution darkened the trees, favoring dark moths. As air quality improved, light moths became common again. This example shows how natural selection operates in various species, including humans and rats.

What characteristic of the peppered moth helped it avoid predators before industrialization?

• Its loud buzzing sound

• Its ability to fly fast

• Its light-colored wings that blended with birch trees

• Its nocturnal behavior

What major change in the environment caused the light-colored peppered moths to become more visible to predators?

• The darkening of tree bark due to industrial pollution

• The increase in rainfall

• The growth of more lichen on trees

• The introduction of new predators

What is the process called when certain traits become more common in a population because they aid survival?

• Genetic mutation

• Natural selection

• Genetic drift

• Artificial selection

What happened to the peppered moth population when the air became cleaner and the trees lightened again?

• The darker moths became more common

• The moths stopped using trees for camouflage

• The moths migrated to a different area

• The lighter moths became more common

Which of the following is an example of natural selection in humans?

• Invention of tools

• Domestication of animals

• Ability to run fast for survival

• Development of language