Let's analyze the data provided from the experiment performed with peppered moths.
We have the starting and ending populations of both light-colored and dark-colored moths in two different environments: light-colored trees and dark-colored trees. Here's the breakdown:
### Light-colored trees:
- Starting population:
- Light-colored moths: 20
- Dark-colored moths: 20
- Ending population:
- Light-colored moths: 25
- Dark-colored moths: 15
### Dark-colored trees:
- Starting population:
- Light-colored moths: 20
- Dark-colored moths: 20
- Ending population:
- Light-colored moths: 5
- Dark-colored moths: 35
#### Step-by-Step Analysis:
1. Calculate the population changes in the light-colored tree environment:
- Light-colored moths: [tex]\( \text{Ending population} - \text{Starting population} = 25 - 20 = 5 \)[/tex]
- Dark-colored moths: [tex]\( \text{Ending population} - \text{Starting population} = 15 - 20 = -5 \)[/tex]
2. Calculate the population changes in the dark-colored tree environment:
- Light-colored moths: [tex]\( \text{Ending population} - \text{Starting population} = 5 - 20 = -15 \)[/tex]
- Dark-colored moths: [tex]\( \text{Ending population} - \text{Starting population} = 35 - 20 = 15 \)[/tex]
Now let’s summarize these changes:
- In the light-colored tree environment:
- Light-colored moths: +5
- Dark-colored moths: -5
- In the dark-colored tree environment:
- Light-colored moths: -15
- Dark-colored moths: +15
From these changes, we observe that:
- The population of light-colored moths increased in the light-colored tree environment and decreased significantly in the dark-colored tree environment.
- The population of dark-colored moths decreased in the light-colored tree environment and increased significantly in the dark-colored tree environment.
#### Interpretation:
The results show that the dark-colored moths were more fit overall in this experiment. This conclusion is drawn from their significant population increase in the dark-colored tree environment, where their numbers grew by 15, despite a decrease of 5 in the light-colored tree environment. This indicates an advantage or better survival in an environment that matches their color, especially after the trees turned black.
Thus, the best description of the results of this experiment is:
D. The dark-colored moths were more fit.
