The evolutionary changes that the peppered moth underwent in order to escape predation in highly polluted areas have arguably been one of the most studied elements of natural selection over the past 200 years. This rapid cryptic pattern among Lepidoptera was first observed in Manchester, England, in 1848, where the first melanistic phenotype was discovered. Since that time, the interesting adaptation of Lepidoptera has been at the forefront of experimental studies. In fact, in his article “Selection Experiments on Industrial Melanism in Lepidoptera,” Dr. Kettlewell studies this melanistic phenotype in the 19th century. Further, in 2002, BS Grant and LL Wiseman published an article entitled "Recent history of melanism in American moths" with the aim of investigating this phenomenon further. Before the Industrial Revolution, a mild form of moth known as the Typical was the most abundant form of Lepidoptera in England. However, due to residual pollution from local coal burning sites, a fully melanistic form known as Carbonaria emerged (2). In fact, the emergence of Carbonaria almost wiped out the typical butterflies in the late 19th century(2). This dramatically shifted the Typical's selective advantage in favor of Carbonaria butterflies once pollutants from industrialization compromised the cathartic nature of lichens and algae cascading over native trees. By the end of the 19th century, Carbonaria had become the most populous form of Lepidoptera in Manchester and eventually spread to neighboring areas(1). Dr. HBD Kettlewell, in his research article titled “Selection Experiments on Industrial Melanism in Lepidoptera,” decided to dissect the growing field methods applied by Kettlewell. Admirable tributes can be paid to Grant and Wiseman's more recent case study in that they attempted to expand American understanding of industrial melanism due to the lack of recorded data outside of England. However, Kettlewell's innovative "release-recapture" method is widely recognized in the consistent revelation of statistical industrial melanism. In conclusion, although Kettlewell, Grant, and Wiseman all looked at the frequency of industrial melanism, their conclusions were very different. Whether it's different time periods, locations, or research methods, it appears that only one factor led to different results: pollution. As the explanations in these two research papers make clear, research that may once have been widespread can become obsolete as time passes and factors change...