Comparison of dark and light peppered moths, showcasing natural selection due to environmental changes.

Problem Overview:

The task involves understanding the concept of natural selection using the example of peppered moths (`Biston betularia`). The worksheet provides background information and instructions for a simulation activity. After completing the simulation, students are expected to answer questions related to the life cycle and characteristics of peppered moths.

Solution and Explanation:

#### Step 1: Understand the Background Information
The introduction explains how Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection was supported by the case of peppered moths. During the Industrial Revolution, pollution (soot) darkened tree bark, which favored darker moths over lighter ones due to camouflage against predators like birds. This shift in moth coloration is an example of rapid evolutionary change observable within human lifetimes.

#### Step 2: Follow the Instructions
The instructions direct students to:
1. Visit the provided link (`peppermoths.weebly.com`) to read more about Kettlewell's study on peppered moths.
2. Run two simulations for 5 minutes each, playing the role of a bluejay that preys on moths.
3. Record the percentage of dark and light moths after each simulation.

#### Step 3: Answer the Questions in "Data and Analysis"
Below are the answers to the questions based on general knowledge about peppered moths and their life cycle:

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Data and Analysis: Life Cycle of the Peppered Moth

1. Why are these moths called "peppered moths"?
- Peppered moths are named for their speckled or mottled appearance, which resembles the pattern of pepper and salt. Their wings have a mix of light and dark spots, allowing them to blend into their environment (e.g., lichen-covered trees).

2. What animals eat the peppered moth?
- The primary predators of peppered moths are birds, such as bluejays and other insectivorous birds. These birds rely on sight to locate their prey, making camouflage crucial for the moths' survival.

3. What is a lichen?
- Lichen is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and a photosynthetic partner (such as algae or cyanobacteria). It grows on tree bark and rocks and has a distinctive patchy, speckled appearance. In the case of peppered moths, lichen serves as part of their natural habitat and provides camouflage for light-colored moths.

4. What do the larvae of the moth eat?
- The larvae of peppered moths are known as caterpillars. They primarily feed on leaves, particularly those of deciduous trees such as oak, birch, and willow.

5. How do peppered moths spend the winter?
- Peppered moths spend the winter in a dormant state as pupae (the cocoon stage). This stage occurs after the caterpillar has finished feeding and before it emerges as an adult moth. The pupa is typically hidden under bark or in leaf litter to avoid predation during this vulnerable period.

6. Moths that have more dark spots than the average moth are called what?
- Moths with more dark spots are referred to as "melanic" forms. The term "melanism" refers to the development of darker pigmentation, which became more prevalent in industrial areas due to the soot-darkened environments.

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Explanation of the Simulation Activity

The simulation likely involves students acting as predators (bluejays) and selecting moths based on visibility. In environments with dark backgrounds (industrial areas), dark moths would be less visible to predators, leading to a higher survival rate. Conversely, in environments with light backgrounds (pre-industrial areas), light moths would have a survival advantage. This activity demonstrates how environmental changes can drive natural selection.

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Final Answer Summary

1. Peppered moths are named for their speckled appearance resembling pepper and salt.
2. Birds, such as bluejays, are the primary predators of peppered moths.
3. Lichen is a composite organism that grows on tree bark and provides camouflage for light-colored moths.
4. The larvae of peppered moths feed on leaves, particularly from deciduous trees.
5. Peppered moths spend the winter as pupae, hidden under bark or in leaf litter.
6. Moths with more dark spots are called "melanic" forms.

Final Answer Box:
\boxed{
\begin{aligned}
1. & \text{Their speckled appearance resembles pepper and salt.} \\
2. & \text{Birds, such as bluejays.} \\
3. & \text{A composite organism consisting of a fungus and a photosynthetic partner.} \\
4. & \text{Leaves, particularly from deciduous trees.} \\
5. & \text{As pupae, hidden under bark or in leaf litter.} \\
6. & \text{"Melanic" forms.}
\end{aligned}
}