Final answer:
The dark-colored peppered moth population decreased at a slower rate than pollution levels due to natural selection favoring the better-camouflaged moth color in response to environmental changes.
Explanation:
The phenomenon of the number of dark-colored peppered moths decreasing at a slower rate than the levels of pollution can be explained by natural selection. Initially, with the increase in pollution and the darkening of trees due to soot, the dark moths had better camouflage, leading to a higher population of dark moths. However, as pollution levels decreased, the lighter moths regained their advantage in camouflaging against the now lighter trees, causing the dark moth population to decrease at a slower rate.
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