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A mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene. This can be beneficial if the change gives a new function to or improves the function of that gene.
The above is a definition. But one must really define "beneficial". Some regard it as beneficial if it helps the specific individual who has it. Others would think it beneficial if it produced some survival advantage that insured more descendents for that individual.
It is the difference between a mutation that allowed for greater athletic ability, but a decreased desire for offspring, versus a more moderate athletic enhancement, but a greater desire for offspring.
The small percentage of ways to improve an organism, versus the near infinite ways of harming the organism, mean that most mutations are not going to be beneficial. At best, they will be "inconsequential" - such as a new shade of eye color, or a mole on a section of your skin.
The populist notion of "powers" that can come from mutations is wildly inaccurate. Even assuming a minor power like the ability to see infra red radiation would take thousands upon thousands of mutations over vast amounts of time. A mutation for blindness is far more likely.
It should also be noted that the traditional model of evolutionary theory no longer applies to man. We don't allow changes in our environment, and without such changes, there is no need for one trait more than another to predominate. After all, it is irrelevent that a mutation might allow for greater speed in running, when everyone drives a car.
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Which of these best explains how mutation can be beneficial to an organism?
Which of what?
What did Darwin's theories explain?
Genetic mutation
Why is more known about harmful mutation than beneficial ones?
answer it your self lol
Why would the dark colored mutation be beneficial in a polluted area?
I don't know anything bro haha
What is a neutral mutation?
A neutral mutation is a mutation that has no effect on the body. It is an alteration in the DNA sequence that is neither beneficial nor detrimental to an organism's ability to survive and procreate.
Which of these best explains how mutation can be beneficial to an organism?
Which of what?
What are two types of mutation?
From another angle: beneficial and detrimental.
What is beneficial mutations?
Well, there is no specific type of mutation that is beneficial. They can be harmful, helpful, or have no effect at all.
What is one beneficial mutation that has happened in humans?
strong bone
Explain how a species can change over time?
Through mutations in DNA. If a mutation is beneficial and helps the organism survive it is passed on to the next generation which leads to the evolution of a species causing it to change.
Are all mutation harmful?
Mutations that succeed [are beneficial] provide Evolution, so not at all.
When does a mutation have the mutation impact on allele frequency?
When the population is small or When there is no gene flow Small population, germ line mutation, beneficial mutation that gets into many progeny and a good deal of luck.
What did Darwin's theories explain?
Genetic mutation
Why is more known about harmful mutation than beneficial ones?
answer it your self lol
Does mutation depend on evolution?
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.
When does mutation have a most impact on Allele frequency?
When the population is small or When there is no gene flow Small population, germ line mutation, beneficial mutation that gets into many progeny and a good deal of luck.
Is mutation always harmful for human body?
No. Although there is a chance of a beneficial mutation, the chance of it occurring is almost astronomical. Most mutations are harmful to humans.
