Adaptive melanism describes selection for
a.
mottled pigmentation
b.
lighter pigmentation
c.
darker pigmentation
d.
more colorful pigmentation

Adaptive melanism describes selection for darker pigmentation.

Explanation:

Hereditary changes in melanin production cause the darkening in color of populations of animals as a survival strategy that makes them less conspicuous to predators.

For example the rock pocket mouse has a sandy dorsal pelage and white underbelly, and it inhabits light-colored rocks. In other regions these mice are found on lava flows where they are typically melanic, with dark-colored dorsal hairs and white underbellies. This darker coloration provides protection from avian and mammalian predators.