Which of the following is an indicator of industrial pollution?

The correct answer is Option (1) → Lichens

Option (1) Lichens — Correct. In England, the polluted tree trunks lost their lichens and turned dark, which helped the dark moths to hide.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 07-06-2026 (Slot 2).

NCERT Extract:
What Are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… Before industrialisation set in, thick growth of almost white-coloured lichen covered the trees - in that background the white winged moth survived but the dark-coloured moth were picked out by predators.”
What Are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… They will not grow in areas that are polluted.”