Online Peppered Moth Simulation Lab Part 1
Name: ______________________
Introduction:
Charles Darwin accumulated a tremendous collection of facts to support the theory of evolution by natural
selection. One of his difficulties in demonstrating the theory, however, was the lack of an example of evolution
over a short period of time, which could be observed as it was taking place in nature. Although Darwin was
unaware of it, remarkable examples of evolution, which might have helped to persuade people of his theory,
were in the countryside of his native England. One such example is the evolution of the peppered moth Biston
betularia.
The economic changes known as the industrial revolution began in the middle of the eighteenth century. Since
then, tons of soot have been deposited on the countryside around industrial areas. The soot discoloured and
generally darkened the surfaces of trees and rocks. In 1848, a dark-coloured moth was first recorded. Today, in
some areas, 90% or more of the-peppered moths are dark in colour. More than 70 species of moth in England
have undergone a change from light to dark. Similar observations have been made in other industrial nations,
including the United States.
Part 1- Background Information
Instructions:
1. Go to this link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/peppered-moths-game/peppered-moth.html
2. Read the background information and answer the questions as you go (start in the top left and click on
“Peppered Moth.”
Life Cycle of the Peppered Moth
1. Why are these moths called "peppered moths?"
Because their wings are "peppered" with small spots. That's why
2. What do the larvae of the moth eat?
3. Larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of birch, willow, and oak trees.
4. How do peppered moths spend the winter?
5. Cold weather is difficult for insects. To avoid death, peppered moth larvae change into pupae (cocoons)
for the winter.
6. Moths that have more dark spots than the average moth are called what?
7. These moths are given the name carbonaria.
8. What animals eat the peppered moth?
9. Predators of the peppered moth include flycatchers, nuthatches, and the European robin.
10. What is a lichen?
11. organisms that are part fungus and part algae or bacteria.
Natural Selection
12. Where was the first black form of the moth found?
13. Near the centre of Manchester.
14. What was the Industrial Revolution?
15. The Industrial Revolution: Factories were being built, and they ran by burning coal for fuel. The result
was a dark smoke that covered the surrounding countryside. Trees that had been light and covered by
lichens now were dark and bare.
16. What was causing the different colours in the moths?
17. It was found that the color was genetic. Moths passed their color to the next generation. Eggs from light
moths developed into light moths and dark moth eggs turned into dark adults. The dark color was caused
by a mutation in the DNA of a single moth, and the mutated gene had been passed to all its offspring.
19. What is natural selection?
18. All types of living things have small differences between the individuals in the species. If one of those
differences allows the individual to live longer, they will likely have more offspring. As that trait is
passed on, the population starts to look more like a successful individual. Over time, the species
changes.
19. Who suggested that peppered moths were an example of natural selection?
20. In 1896, J. W. Tutt suggested that the peppered moths were an example of natural selection.
21. What is industrial melanism?
22. All living things respond to natural selection. Over 100 other species of moth were observed to darken
over time in polluted forests.
