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The Peppered Moth

The Peppered Moth. Example of Evolution. Background Information. 1850’s: Industrial Revolution Moths ( Biston betularia ) come in both light and dark colors. Until the 1850’s, the dark color was rare. After almost 100 years, the darker color was the dominant form.

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The Peppered Moth

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  1. The Peppered Moth Example of Evolution

  2. Background Information • 1850’s: Industrial Revolution • Moths (Biston betularia) come in both light and dark colors. • Until the 1850’s, the dark color was rare. • After almost 100 years, the darker color was the dominant form. • Birds are predators of moths

  3. What is happening? • Hypothesis: Evolution by natural selection is taking place in peppered moths. • In polluted areas, dark moths have higher fitness (blend in with soot-covered trees) than light moths. • In non-polluted areas, light moths have higher fitness.

  4. What is driving this evolution? • Selective Pressure: Predators • Selective Agent: BIRDS! • Therefore, moths that blend in with trees have a higher fitness (survive to reproduce) than those that do not.

  5. The Moths:

  6. Conclusion about the moths: • Due to natural selection, in polluted areas darker moths have a higher fitness.

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