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Mutations can affect many things, especially in the animal kingdom where differences that make an animal stand out tend to make it more vulnerable, particularly if the animal is a prey item to predators.
Let's take albinism for example. Albinism is not a mutation of the skin but rather of the cells that cause the pigmentation of skin, hair, and the iris of the eye. Keeping that in mind, it's also a relatively easy example to use so let's pretend for a moment that it is a skin mutation, just for this example.
Animals that are fully albino have none of the normal skin pigmentation that a normally colored animal has. To you and I this means that the animals sticks out from others of the same species and, in many cases, we find albino animals quite beautiful. Now let's look at this from the perspective of a predator. Most animals have the coloration that they have to blend in with their surroundings more easily or to confuse potential predators. If we use a Thompson's Gazelle as an example, most Thompson's Gazelle are varying shades of brown and tan with a little bit of white. If one of the members of the herd is an albino, in comparison to the other members of it's herd, it is going to stick out like a sore thumb to a predator because it's white coloration makes it very easy to distinguish. Another example is the zebra. Zebras use their stripes to confuse predators. If we were to put an albino zebra in a herd of black and white zebras, that zebra doesn't have the distinctive black stripes and thus is much more easy to spot than it's black and white herd mates, thus allowing predators to zone in on it more easily.
A skin mutation could also affect mating. In some species of birds for instance, females are very particular about which male they breed with. They want their offspring to have a fighting chance and thus want to breed with a strong male. If he has a skin mutation that causes him to look or behave differently than other males, it may cause him to lose potential mates because they take his differences as a sign of weakness. This means that he is not able to pass on his genes to the next generation, which in turn, reduces the gene pool.
There are many other reasons a skin mutation could be harmful to an animal; these are just a few.
What else can I help you with?
What is an animal with moist skin and no scales called?
The animal that has moist skin with no scales are amphibians.
What material is made from animal skin?
Leather is a material made from animal skin. It is commonly used in clothing, shoes, bags, and furniture due to its durability and versatility.
What is a tanned skin of an animal?
When tanned, animal skins are referred to as "hides".
What must happen to animal when it is skinned?
When an animal is skinned, its skin is removed from its body. This process is typically done after the animal has been slaughtered, and the skin is usually processed further to be used for various products like leather. The skinned animal may then be further processed for meat consumption.
Which animal group has smooth moist skin?
Amphibians. some reptiles also have smooth, moist skin.
How can albinism be harmful or beneficial to an organism?
Because the chemicals inside the beneficial burn away the organism.
Will a mutation in a human skin cell pass on to the persons offspring?
If you are referring to a mutation in individual cells of the skin, then no.
What can predict whether a mutation in a human skin cell can be passed to its offspring?
A mutation in a human skin cannot be passed on to an offspring, since it is only a somatic mutation which is acquired. The mutation that can be passed on to an offspring is called a germline mutation, which happens in the egg and sperm.
Salt water harmful to skin?
No, it is not harmful.
What mutation causes skin cancer?
gamma radiation
Is Carbomer harmful to the skin?
No, Carbomer is not harmful to the skin. Carbomer is used to make gels out of liquids, but it doesn't interact with the skin when it's used on the skin.
What do you call an animal's skin?
hide animal skin
Can by touch petunias be harmful to the skin?
yes very harmful
Harmful animal in rainforest?
One example of a harmful animal in the rainforest is the poison dart frog. These brightly colored frogs produce toxins that can be deadly if ingested or if the skin comes into contact with open wounds. They are known for their bright colors, which serve as a warning to potential predators of their toxicity.
Is bleach harmful to skin?
yes
Was the first map made on parchment or animal skin?
animal skin
Can drugs that can be absorbed through the skin be harmful if not used properly?
Yes, drugs that can be absorbed through the skin can be harmful if not used properly.
