Identify the examples of evolution caused due to anthropogenic actions:

A. Bacillus thuringiensis and Lepidopterans

B. Industrial melanism in moths

C. Resistant microbes against antibiotics

D. Pesticides and insects

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

B, C and D only

The correct answer is Option (3)- B, C and D only

Anthropogenic actions refer to activities caused by humans. Evolution resulting from anthropogenic actions can be observed in various instances:

Industrial melanism:

Prior to industrialization, white-colored moths predominated due to their ability to blend with the lichen-covered white bark of trees.The dark-colored moths were more vulnerable to predators as they were easily spotted against the lighter background. With industrialization came the deposition of soot on tree bark, leading to the death of lichen and a darkening of the environment. This favored the survival of dark-colored moths, which could now camouflage effectively, while white moths became more conspicuous.

Overuse of antibiotics:

Excessive use or misuse of antibiotics has facilitated the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Overuse of herbicides and pesticides:

The excessive application of weedicides and pesticides has driven the evolution of resistant varieties of weeds and pests, respectively.

Bt toxin is produced by a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt for short). This is used as a biocontrol agent. Bt toxin gene has been cloned from the bacteria and been expressed in plants to provide resistance to insects without the need for insecticides; in effect created a bio-pesticide.Some strains of Bacillus thuringiensis produce proteins that kill certain insects such as lepidopterans (tobacco budworm, armyworm), coleopterans (beetles) and dipterans (flies, mosquitoes).