Step 1: Understanding the Concept
The peppered moth shows natural selection. It has a light form, Biston betularia, and a dark form, Biston carbonaria.
Step 2: Before industrialisation
Tree trunks were pale because of lichens. The light moths blended in and escaped bird predation, while the dark moths were easily seen and eaten.
Step 3: Conclusion
So the light form Biston betularia was more numerous.
Final Answer:
Biston betularia had the higher population before industrialisation.
\[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{Biston betularia}} \]