Industrial melanism is an example of

Options

A. Neo Darwinism
B. Natural selection
C. Mutation
D. Neo Lamarckism

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Industrial Melanism**:
- Industrial melanism refers to the phenomenon where darker-colored individuals of a species become more common in polluted environments. This is often observed in species that live in areas affected by industrial pollution.

2. **Identifying the Species**:
- The classic example of industrial melanism is seen in the peppered moth, scientifically known as *Biston betularia*. In industrial areas of England, these moths exhibited a color change due to environmental factors.

3. **Natural Selection Process**:
- Natural selection is a key mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. In the case of the peppered moth, the lighter-colored moths were more visible against the soot-darkened trees, making them more susceptible to predation.

4. **Adaptation**:
- Over time, the moths that were darker in color had a survival advantage in polluted areas, as they were less visible to predators. This led to an increase in the population of dark-colored moths, demonstrating adaptation to their environment.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, industrial melanism is an example of natural selection, as it illustrates how environmental changes can influence the survival and reproduction of species based on their physical traits.

**Final Answer**: Industrial melanism is an example of natural selection.

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