(E) 17 black moths, 83 white moths is the answer but I am not sure why. An exper

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(E) 17 black moths, 83 white moths is the answer but I am not sure why.

An experimental observation of evolution in action Now that you know that black moths are about 20% less likely to survive in unpolluted areas, you are curious how quickly increasing air pollution would affect the population moth reproduction how many black and white moths would you expect to see? Initial countryside population: 20 black moths, 80 white moths of moths in the countryside. If the countryside became polluted, after 1 g eneration of A. 20 black moths, 80 white moths B. 19 black moths, 81 white moths C. 21 black moths, 81 white moths D. 23 black moths, 77 white moths E. 17 black moths, 83 white moths

Explanation / Answer

Initial countryside population = 20 black moths and 80 white moths.
Countryside unpolluted environment favours the selection of white moths.
Polluted environment favours the selection of back moths.
It is given that the countryside become polluted after one generation of moth reproduction.
So,
After one generation (prior to pollution),
Number of black moths = 20 - (20 percent of 20)
= 20 - 4
= 16
Number of white moths = 80+4 = 84
Option E is the closest answer.

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