Which type of selection explains industrial melanism observed in the moth, Boston Bulgaria:
a. Stabilising
b. Directional
c. Disruptive
d. Artificial
The answer is the option (b) Directional
Explanation: Industrial melanism refers to the phenomenon where darker-colored individuals in a species become more prevalent due to environmental changes caused by industrial pollution. This adaptation primarily affects populations living in areas with high levels of soot and grime from factories, which darken the landscape. As a result, individuals with darker pigmentation have a higher survival rate because they are better camouflaged from predators in these polluted environments. This adaptive shift in coloration highlights a directional change within the population, illustrating how environmental factors can influence natural selection and promote specific traits over time.