Industrial melanism is an example of (a)Neo -lamarckism (b)Neo- darwin...
Industrial melanism is an example of (a)Neo -lamarckism (b)Neo- darwin...
Industrial Melanism and its explanation
Industrial melanism is a phenomenon where the frequency of dark-colored individuals increases in a population due to industrial pollution. This phenomenon was first observed in peppered moths in England during the Industrial Revolution.
Neo-Lamarckism and Industrial Melanism
Neo-Lamarckism is a theory that suggests that organisms can pass on acquired traits to their offspring. This theory is not applicable to industrial melanism because the change in coloration is not due to an acquired trait that can be passed on to offspring. Instead, it is caused by a change in the frequency of existing genetic variants in a population.
Neo-Darwinism and Industrial Melanism
Neo-Darwinism is a theory that explains evolution through natural selection and genetic variation. Industrial melanism is an example of neo-Darwinism because the change in frequency of dark-colored individuals is due to natural selection acting on existing genetic variation.
Mutation and Industrial Melanism
Mutation is a process that creates new genetic variation. While mutation may have played a role in the original appearance of the dark-colored variant in peppered moths, it is not the cause of the increase in frequency of dark-colored individuals in industrialized areas. The increase in frequency is due to natural selection acting on existing genetic variation.
Natural Selection and Industrial Melanism
Natural selection is the process by which certain traits become more or less common in a population based on their impact on survival and reproduction. In the case of industrial melanism, the increase in frequency of dark-colored individuals is due to natural selection. Dark coloration provides a survival advantage in industrialized areas where pollution has darkened the environment. This advantage allows dark-colored individuals to survive and reproduce more successfully than light-colored individuals, leading to an increase in the frequency of the dark-colored variant in the population.
In conclusion, industrial melanism is an example of neo-Darwinism because the change in frequency of dark-colored individuals is due to natural selection acting on existing genetic variation, not an acquired trait that can be passed on to offspring.