INDUSTRIAL MELANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Industrial melanism is a phenomenon observed in several species, especially insects, wherein the abundance of dark-colored individuals increases in industrialized areas compared to their prevalence in non-industrialized regions. This increase in dark pigmentation is primarily attributed to the pollution, particularly high levels of soot and other dark-colored pollutants, found in industrialized environments. As a result, organisms with darker pigmentation have a higher survival advantage in these areas due to their ability to blend in with the polluted surroundings, thereby reducing predation rates.
The first documented case of industrial melanism was observed in the mid-19th century during the industrial revolution in England, where light-colored peppered moths (Biston betularia) in polluted areas became increasingly rare while their dark-colored counterparts became more prevalent. This evolution of coloration occurred due to natural selection, as the light-colored moths stood out against the darkened backgrounds, making them highly vulnerable to predators.
Industrial melanism provides a compelling example of how human activities may drive rapid evolutionary changes in populations, as darker pigmentation confers a survival advantage in heavily polluted habitats. This phenomenon has not only been observed in moths but also in other organisms including insects, birds, and fungi, highlighting the adaptability of these species in response to environmental changes brought about by industrialization.
Understanding industrial melanism and its underlying mechanisms is crucial for comprehending the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and evolutionary processes.
Common Misspellings for INDUSTRIAL MELANISM
- undustrial melanism
- jndustrial melanism
- kndustrial melanism
- ondustrial melanism
- 9ndustrial melanism
- 8ndustrial melanism
- ibdustrial melanism
- imdustrial melanism
- ijdustrial melanism
- ihdustrial melanism
- insustrial melanism
- inxustrial melanism
- incustrial melanism
- infustrial melanism
- inrustrial melanism
- ineustrial melanism
- indystrial melanism
- indhstrial melanism
- indjstrial melanism
- indistrial melanism
Etymology of INDUSTRIAL MELANISM
The term "industrial melanism" combines two different words: "industrial" and "melanism".
1. Industrial: The word "industrial" comes from the Latin word "industria", meaning "diligence, hard work". It relates to industries or manufacturing activities associated with technology, machinery, and economic production.
2. Melanism: The word "melanism" originates from the Greek word "melas", meaning "black". It refers to a genetic trait or condition where an animal has an unusually high amount of dark pigmentation, typically resulting in black or dark coloration.
By combining these two terms, "industrial melanism" refers to the phenomenon where certain organisms, such as moths, develop darker coloration due to environmental pollution, particularly during the industrial revolution. This term was first used in the mid-20th century by geneticists studying the effects of industrial pollution on the natural selection of organisms.
