The peppered moth, Biston betularia, has been used as a classic example of natural selection in action. This moth (like many others) includes both light and dark forms that change in frequency under conditions of higher or lower pollution. Anti-evolutionists have challenged this, and unfortunately they gained ammunition in this regard from a book review by Jerry Coyne.


As part of their Top 10 evolution articles, New Scientist provides a story entitled Reclaiming the peppered moth for science.

Bad news, the New Scientist story is subscription only.

Good news, Evolution: Education and Outreach will include a paper about the peppered moth by leading expert Michael Majerus in the next issue, and it's a) already available in pre-print, and b) free.

While you're visiting the journal, check out the last issue which is a special volume all about eyes.