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Why did the dark moths survive the Industrial Revolution? They were able to blend into the trees because they were black and birds could not see them as easiliy as the white moths. They stood out so birds could see them easily, thus eating them. Testion

Ask by Jimenez Rodriguez. in the United States
Jan 22,2025

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Answer

Dark moths survived the Industrial Revolution because their black color helped them blend into the darkened trees, making them harder for birds to see and eat.

Solution

The survival of dark moths during the Industrial Revolution is primarily attributed to their ability to blend into their environment. Here's a detailed explanation: 1. **Background Context**: During the Industrial Revolution, pollution from factories darkened the trees and buildings in many areas, particularly in England. This change in the environment affected the visibility of moths. 2. **Moth Coloration**: Before the Industrial Revolution, the majority of moths were light-colored (often white or pale). These lighter moths were well-camouflaged against the lighter-colored trees and surfaces. 3. **Environmental Change**: As soot and pollution covered the trees, the environment became darker. The light-colored moths became more visible to predators, particularly birds, against the now-darkened backgrounds. 4. **Survival of the Fittest**: The dark moths, which had a coloration that matched the soot-covered trees, were less visible to birds. This provided them with a survival advantage, as they were less likely to be eaten. 5. **Natural Selection**: Over time, the population of dark moths increased because they were more likely to survive and reproduce. In contrast, the lighter moths faced higher predation rates and their numbers decreased. In summary, the dark moths survived the Industrial Revolution because they could blend into the darkened trees, making it harder for birds to see and eat them. The statement "They were able to blend into the trees because they were black and birds could not see them as easily as the white moths" accurately describes the reason for their survival.

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The Deep Dive

During the Industrial Revolution in England, pollution from factories darkened tree bark and buildings, making the lighter-colored peppered moths more visible to predators. In contrast, the darker moths had a natural camouflage advantage in this polluted environment, allowing them to survive and reproduce more successfully. This phenomenon is a classic example of natural selection, where the traits that enhance survival in a specific environment thrive over generations! The survival of the dark moths during this period led to a significant shift in their population—an event that continues to fascinate scientists. This adaptive change also sparked discussions about evolution and environmental impact. Today, researchers study these changes to better understand how organisms adapt to human-driven environmental changes, making it relevant not just in historical terms but also in today’s climate discussions!

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