Peppered Moths
by Perennou Nuridsany
Title
Peppered Moths
Artist
Perennou Nuridsany
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Peppered moths (Biston betularia) on a birch trunk. This moth is common throughout Europe and North America. Both forms of this moth, the light form (upper) and the dark form (lower), are seen here. The two forms are a famous example of natural selection. During the industrial revolution sooty pollution turned trees black. The lighter moths, which are camouflaged on trees covered in lichen, were no longer camouflaged on the darker trees and were preyed upon by birds. Within 50 years the darker form became the more common. However, after the introduction of clean air laws, the lighter form has once again become the most common.
Uploaded
June 25th, 2018
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