Q. Industrial melanism as observed in peppered moth proves that
A) the melanic form of the moth has no selective advantage over lighter form in industrial area
B) the lighter-form moth has no selective advantage either in polluted industrial area or non-polluted area
C) melanism is a pollution-generated feature
D) the true black melanic forms arise by a recurring random mutation
Explanation
[Solution from source] Dark (melanic) moths existed before industrialisation because the melanic allele keeps arising by random mutation; soot-darkened trees only made them better camouflaged so natural selection increased their numbers. Pollution did not create melanism, and the dark form clearly had an advantage in industrial areas. Answer (4).
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.