Question

Which one of these is not a case of artificial selection?
A. Shetland pony
B. Great cane dog
C. Broccoli
D. Peppered moth
E. Arabian race horse

Answer 1

Artificial selection is the process of derivation of desirable traits in plants and animals intentionally done by humans as well as the steps taken to improve and preserve those traits. This can be applied to all living organisms from unicellular bacteria to a multicellular large animal and plants.

Complete answer:
Artificial selection is the mechanism done by humans which is used for reproduction of animals and plants to produce new breeds with particular phenotypic traits or characteristics. This process is performed by choosing which typically animal or plant males and females will sexually reproduce and have offspring together.
Artificial selection is a comparatively faster process than natural selection. As the selection of traits is done artificially, there is a great risk for the survival of a new breed of animals or plants or any other organism.
Through artificial selection, it is possible to eradicate the disease of plant breed and high yielding seeds can be produced. The production of a new colour in an animal breed is also possible. Nowadays genetic variation also occurs by artificial selection.
Horse and dog breeders chose the horses with desirable characteristics by selective breeding to produce favourable traits. Shetland pony, Arabian race horse, Great cane dog can be produced by artificial selection. Broccoli is also an example of artificial selection.
But Peppered moths are a case of natural selection. The evolution of peppered moth is an example of population genetics and natural selection. The caterpillars are known to mimic the surroundings such as the colour of the twig.

Therefore, the correct option is option D.

Additional information:
Evolution is the process that represents how species experience passed from one generation to the next and changes in their traits over time. Evolution may occur through many mechanisms such as mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection. In natural selection, the fittest organisms are identified by nature. There is no human interference. But when the selection involves unnatural selection or with the interference of human activity then it is known as artificial selection. Artificial selection is also known as selective breeding.

Note: Artificial selection is also known as selective breeding which defines the selection of breeding pairs to produce a new favourable offspring and this selection is done by the human. The main aim of artificial selection is to increase the economical value of the organism. Animal and plant breeders use this and Shetland pony, Arabian race horse, Great cane dog and, broccoli is produced by artificial selection but the peppered moth is a case of natural selection.