Adaption - Peppered Moth Template

The concept of adaption is exemplified in the case of the peppered moth, a species that has become a classic example in the study of natural selection. The peppered moth's colouration has adapted over time in response to environmental changes, particularly during the Industrial Revolution in Britain. This adaptation has been closely observed and serves as a template for understanding how species can change their physical characteristics to better survive in changing habitats.

In educational materials, such as lesson plans or worksheets, the peppered moth template is often used to illustrate how the frequency of certain traits can increase or decrease in a population based on selective pressures. For instance, when the trees were covered in soot and the environment was darker, darker-coloured moths had a survival advantage as they were less visible to predators. As a result, their numbers increased. Conversely, when pollution levels dropped and the trees returned to their lighter colour, the lighter-coloured moths had the advantage. This dynamic serves as a powerful example of how adaption works in the natural world, influencing the genetic makeup of future generations.