The Question is from neet-zoology genetics-evolution biological-evolution, and it was created by the author K SUNKANNA

Question

The phenomenon of industrial melanism in *Biston betularia* demonstrates which evolutionary force most directly?

K SUNKANNA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: D
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Natural Selection
 **Related Topics**: Industrial melanism, Peppered moth, adaptation, environmental change, evolution
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of natural selection, genetic variation, and environmental pressures.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question describes industrial melanism in *Biston betularia* (peppered moths).
  Industrial melanism is the prevalence of dark-colored moths in industrial areas.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the phenomenon of industrial melanism.
  Reasoning:  Industrial melanism is a classic example of natural selection.  Before the Industrial Revolution, lighter-colored moths were more common because they blended in with lichen-covered trees.  Pollution during the Industrial Revolution darkened tree bark.  Darker moths now had a survival advantage as they were better camouflaged from predators.  This led to an increase in the frequency of dark-colored moths.
  Formula/Rule:  No specific formula is needed; this is a qualitative analysis of evolutionary processes.
 2. Evaluate the given options.
  Working: Option A (Genetic drift) is incorrect because the change in moth coloration was not random; it was driven by a selective pressure (predation). Option B (Gene flow) is less relevant; while gene flow might occur between populations, the main driver of the observed change is selection within populations. Option C (Mutation) is also incorrect because mutations create the variation, but natural selection acts on that variation to change allele frequencies. Option D (Natural selection) is correct because it directly explains the change in moth coloration due to differential survival and reproduction based on coloration.
 3. Conclude the most direct evolutionary force.
  Result: Natural selection driven by environmental change is the most direct evolutionary force demonstrated by industrial melanism.
  Verification: The observed change in moth populations perfectly aligns with the principles of natural selection: variation (light and dark moths), inheritance (coloration is heritable), differential survival (dark moths survived better in polluted areas), and differential reproduction (dark moths produced more offspring). 
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Genetic drift is a random change in allele frequencies, not a directed response to environmental pressure.
B :x: Gene flow might have played a minor role, but natural selection was the primary driver.
C :x: Mutations create the variation in coloration, but natural selection determines which variants become more common.
D ✓: Natural selection perfectly explains the observed shift in moth coloration due to differential survival and reproduction based on camouflage in a changing environment.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing natural selection with other evolutionary forces (e.g., genetic drift): Understand the mechanisms and differences between these forces.
  2.Failing to recognize the role of environmental change in natural selection:  Environmental pressures are the driving force behind natural selection.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the four key components of natural selection: variation, inheritance, differential survival, and differential reproduction.
  2.Industrial melanism is a classic example of natural selection in action.

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Genetic drift due to a bottleneck effect

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Gene flow between moth populations

K SUNKANNA · Answer

Mutation creating new melanic alleles

K SUNKANNA · Answer

The correct Option is "Natural selection driven by environmental change"

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