Creation vs. Evolution II

The Peppered Moth Controversy
by Ross L., Creation vs. Evolution II Team Member

The Peppered moth is often cited as an example of evolution in action. The Peppered moth is a small white moth with black spots. This helps it hide on the beech trees that it lands on. Not so long ago, though, the burning of coal in Great Britain caused the trees to become covered with soot. A color variation of the Peppered moth that is all black was better suited for this environment. This black Peppered moth thrived, while the numbers of white moths declined from predation by birds. However, when ordinances were passed to reduce air pollution and the trees' white color returned, the white moth recovered and the black moths were eaten.

The controversy arises in the difference between micro- and macroevolution. In microevolution, a species under the pressure of natural selection will have those members dominate that are most fit to survive. Creationists and evolutionists agree that microevolution, or the ability of a species to adapt to its surroundings through natural selection, exists. However, Creationists do not believe that this type of adaptation leads to new orders, which is macroevolution.

For more information about the peppered moth, see: http://mall.turnpike.net/C/cs/peppered.htm

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