How did Bernard Kettlewell test his hypothesis about natural selection in peppered moths?

• A. By releasing light and dark-colored moths in polluted and unpolluted woodlands and observing predation rates by birds
• B. By analyzing fossil records of moths from different geological periods
• C. By measuring the genetic variation in moth populations using DNA sequencing
• D. By breeding moths in a laboratory to observe changes in coloration over generations

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the hypothesis: Bernard Kettlewell hypothesized that natural selection influenced the coloration of peppered moths based on environmental conditions, specifically pollution levels.
2. Identify the experimental design: Kettlewell released both light-colored and dark-colored moths into two different environments—polluted woodlands and unpolluted woodlands—to observe how environmental factors affected survival rates.
3. Focus on predation: Kettlewell observed predation rates by birds in these environments, as birds were the primary predators of moths. He hypothesized that moths whose coloration matched their environment would be less likely to be eaten.
4. Analyze the results: Kettlewell compared the survival rates of light and dark-colored moths in each environment to determine whether camouflage influenced their likelihood of being preyed upon.
5. Conclude the findings: Based on the observed predation rates, Kettlewell concluded that natural selection favored moths whose coloration provided better camouflage in their respective environments, supporting his hypothesis.