Which of the following does not illustrate the phenomenon of natural selection?

Options

A. Industrial melanism
B. Herbicide resistant weeds
C. Artifical breeding
D. Antibiotic resistant microbes

Answer

To determine which of the following does not illustrate the phenomenon of natural selection, we need to analyze each option provided:

1. **Industrial Melanism**: This is a phenomenon where darker-colored individuals of a species become more common in polluted environments. This occurs due to natural selection, as these individuals are better camouflaged from predators in industrial areas. Thus, this option illustrates natural selection.

2. **Herbicide Resistant Weeds**: This refers to the ability of certain weed populations to survive applications of herbicides that would normally kill them. Over time, those weeds that have mutations allowing them to survive will reproduce, leading to a population that is resistant to the herbicide. This is also an example of natural selection in action.

3. **Antibiotic Resistant Microbes**: Similar to herbicide resistance, some microbes develop mutations that allow them to survive antibiotic treatments. Those that survive reproduce and pass on their resistant traits, which is a clear example of natural selection.

4. **Artificial Breeding**: This process involves human intervention in the breeding of animals and plants to produce desired traits. Techniques such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer are used to control reproduction. Since this process is guided by human choice rather than natural environmental pressures, it does not illustrate natural selection.

Based on this analysis, the option that does not illustrate the phenomenon of natural selection is **Artificial Breeding**.

### Steps Summary:
1. Analyze the concept of **Industrial Melanism** and its relation to natural selection.
2. Examine **Herbicide Resistant Weeds** and how they demonstrate natural selection.
3. Consider **Antibiotic Resistant Microbes** and their evolution through natural selection.
4. Evaluate **Artificial Breeding** and its distinction from natural selection.
5. Conclude that **Artificial Breeding** is the correct answer as it does not illustrate natural selection.