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A mutation changes the DNA of an organism in a way that affects its offspring, either immediately or several generations down the line.
The change brought about by a mutation is either beneficial, harmful or neutral.
If the change is harmful, then it is unlikely that the offspring will survive to reproduce, so the mutation dies out and goes nowhere.
If the change is beneficial, which is a rare occurrence, then it is likely that the offspring will do better than other offspring and so will reproduce more.
Once the mutation has manifested itself for the better in the offspring, through natural selection the offspring will mate more and create a new generation with the same manifested mutation. Only at this point can we say that the species has evolved since not all mutations are fruitful and create a new generation with better or different characteristics. In fact most mutations are harmful and thus do not evolve which is why the process of evolution is very slow.
What else can I help you with?
What process thought to have changed the genetic code over billion years ago?
Basically, random mutation and natural selection. With a little genetic drift and gene flow thrown into the mix. Evolution, the change in allele frequency over time in a population of organisms.
What is a permanent heritable change in an allele that produces a different variant of the same trait?
A permanent heritable change in an allele that produces a different variant of the same trait is called a mutation. Mutations can lead to genetic diversity within a population and are the raw material for evolution.
What is the significane of mutation of living things?
The significance of the mutation of living things is that mutation allows species to adapt to their environments over time (variations in human skin color are a good example of this). It is also a major part of Darwin's all but proven Theory of Evolution.
How would a mutation affect the next generation?
A mutation can be passed on to the next generation if it occurs in the germ cells (sperm and egg cells). The impact of the mutation on the next generation can vary depending on whether it is beneficial, harmful, or neutral. Over time, mutations can contribute to genetic diversity and evolution in a population.
If genetic mutation almost always leads to sterilization and death then how can evolution be true?
Genetic mutation does not always lead to sterilization as you point out. This however is not the way evolution happens. Evolution occurs mainly through small adaptive changes over a long period of time that are not mutations. Evolution does not happen suddenly.
Can mutation cause evolution?
not by itself
Why is mutation important to spectation?
Without mutation there can be no evolution. Without evolution there can be no speciation.
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.
What is mutation and how is it related to evolution?
A mutation is any change in the DNA. Mutations provide the genetic variation that evolution by natural selection needs to select from.
What is the main force causing evolution?
Cell mutation
What two factors are responsible for evolution?
Mutation and natural selection.
What are genetic mutation and natural selection?
Together, genetic mutation and natural selection determine in what 'direction' evolution proceeds.
Is a beneficial mutation always considered beneficial in the context of evolution?
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?
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.
What is a mutation and how does it relate to evolution?
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.
How does mutation work hand in hand with evolution?
"http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_mutation_work_hand_in_hand_with_evolution"
What is it called when an organism undergoes a permanent change?
metamorphesis
