What in the environment can cause mutations?

Answer 1

Environmental causes of genetic mutation:

1. Normal background gamma radiation from geological sources (naturally occurring radioactive minerals such as horneblende, the ore of uranium)

2. radiation from man-made sources, such as the fallout from atomic testing, or the waste runoff from nuclear reactor leaks, etc.

3. Chemical waste materials, such as the PCBs formed in transformer oil, when not disposed of properly, infiltrate the water table and add to the toxic load of an organism

4. In some cases, ultraviolet light (from sunlight) can even cause genetic mutation, in very high exposures.

Answer 2

You see, you may look at mutations as a bad thing, or a negative thing, but they can also be looked at as evolution. A gain or lack of something can alter an organisms DNA, like Radiation for example. A body changes to its enviroment, slowly, but surely. I don't know how else to explain it.

Answer 3

The Sun's high-energy rays, like ultra-violet light, cosmic or gamma rays, and so forth can cause mutations. Harmful chemicals in the bloodstream may cause mutations, as well.

Fortunately the atmosphere shields us from the worst ultraviolet light, and the Van Allen belt above that filters out cosmic rays and/or gamma rays, except around the north pole and south pole. The northern lights and southern lights are a result of these high-energy rays hitting the high atmospheric layers.

Answer 4

Chemicals that can cause biological mutations are called mutagens.

Answer 5

It is called evolution, and the key to evolution is mutations, which happen naturally in the environment, and not by force.

Short Answer is Pollution.

Answer 6

X-rays

Tobacco

Alcohol

UV Light

some viruses

soot

recreational drugs

etc.......