Why do a pale variety of moth, Selonia bilunaria, when fed on manganese coated food, produce a melanic variety?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Background:**
- The question involves the pale variety of the moth, Selonia bilunaria, and its transformation into a melanic variety when fed on manganese-coated food. This phenomenon can be explained through the lens of evolutionary theories, particularly Lamarckism and its modified form, Neo-Lamarckism.

2. **Lamarckism Overview:**
- Lamarckism, proposed by Jean-Baptiste de Lamarck, is a theory of evolution that suggests organisms can pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime to their offspring. It is based on the idea that the use or disuse of certain traits can lead to their development or degeneration over generations.

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