AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Scientists have discovered the specific mutation that famously turned moths black during the Industrial Revolution. In an iconic evolutionary case study, a black form of the peppered moth rapidly took over in industrial parts of the UK during the 1800s, as soot blackened the tree trunks and walls of its habitat.

Detailed explanation-2: -But as the Industrial revolution began to really take off in the 1800s, pollution from the dense industrial smoke and soot killed off lichens and darkened tree trunks and walls in towns and cities. As a result, the paler moths became more visible to predators, while the darker variety became more camouflaged.

Detailed explanation-3: -Coal smoke had darkened England’s trees, so that light pepper moths, once blended nicely against bark, now stood out against the smudgy background. A dark form of peppered moths, once rare, became common.

Detailed explanation-4: -Before the Industrial Revolution, the majority of peppered moths were white-bodied in Great Britain. Their body color helped them camouflage against light-colored trees. Before the Industrial Revolution, the bark of trees was light colored.