A mutation is any change in the DNA.
Mutations provide the genetic variation that evolution by natural selection needs to select from.
Without mutation there can be no evolution. Without evolution there can be no speciation.
Down Syndrome is a the addition of an extra chromosome and not really related to evolution. It is more of a genetic mutation that causes this event to occur.
First of all, evolution is not a science. One of the first rules of science is observation, and no one has observed evolution. We have observed gene mutation, yes. Breeding almost any animal will show you variation and mutation. I suppose, to answer your question, evolution is a theory derivative of genetics and biology. But, evolution is a theory, it has no confirmation. It is just a theory.
The mutation theory is basically stating that mutation is one of the major factors that cause evolution. The mutation has to be a beneficial mutation, meaning that it has to help the survival of the organism that got the mutation. The mutation causes knew genes and diversity which can spread quickly throughout a population and eventually change the frequency of alleles (causes mutation) Remember the mutation has to be beneficial to the survival of the organism.
not by itself
Cell mutation
Mutation and natural selection.
Together, genetic mutation and natural selection determine in what 'direction' evolution proceeds.
No, a beneficial mutation may not always be considered beneficial in the context of evolution because its effects can change over time or in different environments.
For a mutation to affect evolution, it must occur in the DNA of reproductive cells (sperm or egg cells) so that it can be passed on to offspring. Mutations that occur in somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) do not directly impact evolution as they are not inherited by future generations.
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of an organism. Mutations are sources of genetic variation, and they can drive evolution by introducing new traits that may be advantageous, neutral, or harmful in different environments. Over time, beneficial mutations can be selected for, leading to changes in the population and contributing to the process of evolution.
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