How did kettlewell determine if moths lived longer than others

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how did kettlewell determine if moths lived longer than others

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How did Kettlewell determine if moths lived longer than others?

Answer:
Sir Bernard Kettlewell conducted pioneering research in the field of evolutionary biology, specifically studying the peppered moth population in England during the mid-20th century. Kettlewell wanted to understand the phenomenon of industrial melanism, where the moth’s coloration changed due to pollution during the industrial revolution.

To determine if moths lived longer than others, Kettlewell conducted a series of experiments. Here is an overview of his approach:

  1. Field Observations: Kettlewell observed the distribution of peppered moths in different environments, including both polluted and non-polluted areas. He noticed that the majority of moths in non-polluted areas had a lighter coloration, while those in polluted areas had a darker coloration.

  2. Mark and Release Experiments: Kettlewell captured both light and dark-colored moths and marked them with a unique identifier before releasing them back into their respective habitats. By marking the moths, Kettlewell could track their survival and behavior in the wild.

  3. Nighttime Observation: Kettlewell set up traps to capture moths in both polluted and non-polluted areas. He observed the number and coloration of the trapped moths to determine their population distribution.

  4. Selective Predation Experiments: Kettlewell placed light-colored and dark-colored moths on different tree trunks with varying levels of pollution. He wanted to investigate if predation played a role in the survival rates of different moth colorations.

  5. Calculation and Comparison: Kettlewell collected data on the survival rates and population distribution of light and dark-colored moths over several generations. He used statistical analysis to calculate and compare the mortality rates of each color morph.

The results of Kettlewell’s research supported his hypothesis that bird predation was the main driving force behind the differential survival rates of light and dark-colored peppered moths. He concluded that darker moths had an advantage in polluted areas as they blended in with the tree trunks, making them less visible to predatory birds.

Kettlewell’s ground-breaking experiments not only provided evidence for natural selection in action but also demonstrated the impact of environmental factors on population genetics. His work is widely regarded as a classic example of evolution in action.