Question

Assertion (A): The number of white winged moths decreased after industrialisation in England. Reason (R): Effects of industrialisation were more marked in rural areas of England.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Hint:

The industrial melanism phenomenon, which is the increase in dark-colored individuals in polluted areas, is a classic example of natural selection due to environmental changes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyzing the assertion:
- The industrial revolution in England led to increased pollution, particularly soot in urban areas, which caused a change in the environment.
- The white-winged moths were previously more prevalent in these areas due to their camouflage on the light-colored tree trunks. However, after industrialization, the darker tree trunks (due to soot) caused a decrease in the number of white-winged moths.
Step 2: Analyzing the reason:
- The effects of industrialization were more marked in urban areas, not rural areas. In rural areas, there was less industrial pollution, so the change in the population of moths was not as dramatic as in urban areas.
- Therefore, while the assertion is true, the reason is incorrect because the effects were more marked in urban areas, not rural areas.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer is option (C): (A) is true, but (R) is false.