Evolution of the peppered moth
The first dark moth was recorded in 1848 in Manchester. By 1895, this variety accounted for 98% of these moths in the city.
The evolution of the peppered moth is an evolutionary instance of directional colour change in the moth population because of the air pollution during the Industrial Revolution. The amount of dark-coloured moths increased at that time. This is an example of industrial melanism. Later, when the pollution reduced, the light-coloured moths again predominated.
Before the Industrial Revolution, the black peppered moth was rare. The first live specimen was caught by R.S Edleston in Manchester, England in 1848.
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