Industrial melanism in peppered moth occurred due to natural selection . The significant reason for this is

Options

A. the light coloured white moths could not be noticed by predatory birds after deposition of soots on bark of trees
B. mutation in light coloured moths due to increase in industrial pollution
C. advantageous selection of black moths on tree in polluted areas, resulting in increase population of black moths
D. advantageous selection of white moths on tree in polluted areas, resulting in increased population of white moths

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Industrial Melanism**: Industrial melanism refers to the phenomenon where darker-colored individuals of a species become more prevalent in polluted areas due to natural selection. This is notably observed in the peppered moth (Biston betularia).

2. **Identifying the Problem**: The question asks for the significant reason why industrial melanism in the peppered moth occurred due to natural selection.

3. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1**: "The light-colored white moths could not be noticed by the predatory birds after deposition of soot on the bark of trees."
- This option is incorrect. In fact, the opposite is true; light-colored moths became more visible against the soot-darkened trees, making them more susceptible to predation.

- **Option 2**: "Mutation in the light-colored moth due to increase in industrial pollution."
- This option is also incorrect. While mutations can occur, the significant factor in industrial melanism is not the mutation of light-colored moths but rather the survival advantage of darker moths in polluted environments.

- **Option 3**: "Advantageous selection of the black moth on trees in the polluted areas resulting in the increased population of black moths."
- This option is correct. In polluted areas, the black moths had a survival advantage because they were better camouflaged against the soot-covered trees, leading to increased survival and reproduction rates.

- **Option 4**: "Advantageous selection of the white moths on trees in polluted areas."
- This option is incorrect. White moths were at a disadvantage in polluted areas due to their visibility against the dark background.

4. **Conclusion**: The significant reason for industrial melanism in peppered moths is the advantageous selection of the black moths in polluted areas, which led to their increased population.

**Final Answer**: The correct answer is Option 3: "Advantageous selection of the black moth on trees in the polluted areas resulting in the increased population of black moths."

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