- The color of the moths affects their survival rate because moths that match the color of the tree bark are less visible to predators, increasing their chances of survival.
- Natural selection is demonstrated by the moths: as the environment changed (e.g., trees darkened due to pollution), darker moths had a survival advantage and became more common over generations.
- If there were no predators in the forest, moth color would not significantly affect survival, so color distribution might remain random or change based on other factors.
- If pollution caused trees to darken, the population would shift toward more dark-colored moths because they would be better camouflaged and thus more likely to survive and reproduce.
- Kettlewell’s experiment shows natural selection in action: when tree bark darkened, dark moths survived better, proving that environmental changes drive evolutionary adaptations.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of peppered moth worksheet.
