If the mutation that caused dark coloration occurred around 1819, why do you think there were still so few black moths in 1848 when the first dark moth was observed in the wild?
A. There was no selective advantage to being dark colored prior to the industrial revolution.
B. Dark colored moths cannot be seen at night.
C. Dark colored moths are poor fliers.
D. Light colored moths preyed on the larvae of dark colored moths.
Answer (2)
Dark moths were rare in 1848 because there was initially no selective advantage for their coloration before environmental changes from the Industrial Revolution . As their habitat darkened, lighter colored moths became more visible to predators, allowing dark moths to survive and thrive. Thus, it was the change in environment that eventually favored the darker moths over time. ;
There were few black moths in 1848 because initially, dark coloration lacked a selective advantage before the Industrial Revolution altered their environment. As pollution darkened their habitats, dark moths became better camouflaged and began to thrive. Therefore, the chosen option is A: There was no selective advantage to being dark colored prior to the industrial revolution.
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