1.) There is a moth in England called the peppered moth. Before Britain’s industrial revolution, these moths were usually salt and pepper colored. Because of their coloring, they blended in well with the tree trunks on which they tended to rest. The coloring helped them hide from the birds that ate them. During the British industrial revolution, industry expelled a lot of soot from the burning of coal into the environment. This soot darkened the tree trunks, and it was noted that black-colored moths were becoming predominant. The idea is that with soot in the environment, black-colored moths fared better than light-colored moths. There is some debate as to whether this is actually the case or not, but for the sake of this question, let’s assume it is.
In your own words, explain the concepts from the four observations discussed in 12.2 using the moth as an example. In other words, how does the moth illustrate the first observation, the second observation, etc.?
2.) Whether you “believe” in evolution or not, why is it important to be knowledgeable about Darwin’s theory? How might genetics and evolution apply to our modern society when we consider the differences between people? Should we stratify people based on intelligence or other specific qualities? Have you observed traits in your parents that you do not like and see them in yourself?
