The peppered moth provides a well-known example of natural selection:
The light-colored form of the moth was predominant in England before the Industrial Revolution.
In the mid-nineteenth century, a dark-colored form appeared.
The difference is produced by a dominant allele of one gene.
By about 1900, approximately 90% of the moths around industrial areas were dark-colored, whereas light-colored moths were still abundant elsewhere. Apparently, birds could readily find the light moths against the soot-darkened background in industrial areas and, therefore, were eating more light moths. Recently, use of cleaner fuels has greatly reduced soot in the landscape, and the dark-colored moths have been disappearing.
Should the two forms of moths be considered separate species?

Question

The peppered moth provides a well-known example of natural selection:

The light-colored form of the moth was predominant in England before the Industrial Revolution.
In the mid-nineteenth century, a dark-colored form appeared.
The difference is produced by a dominant allele of one gene.

By about 1900, approximately 90% of the moths around industrial areas were dark-colored, whereas light-colored moths were still abundant elsewhere. Apparently, birds could readily find the light moths against the soot-darkened background in industrial areas and, therefore, were eating more light moths. Recently, use of cleaner fuels has greatly reduced soot in the landscape, and the dark-colored moths have been disappearing.

Should the two forms of moths be considered separate species?

Accepted Answer

No

Answer

Yes, because they have completely different coloration

Answer

Yes, because they are reproductively isolated based on habitat

Answer

Yes, because natural selection has affected the frequency of the two different forms

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The peppered moth provides a well-known example of natural selection: The light...

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