Question #34ee7
2 Answers
Mutations bring variations for natural selection.
Explanation:
Mutations create variations in the populations. The variations are the raw materials for selection in the populations. The suitable are selected from the populations, while unsuitable discarded.
This type selection of suitable in the populations create a new species suitable for the changed environment. Thank you
Mutations help organism adapt to certain environments but are generally harmful.
Explanation:
The Neo Darwinian Theory of evolution postulates that mutations are the source of variation that allows the progression of life from the simple to the complex. Darwinian evolution can be expressed as descent with modification. Neo Darwinian evolution says that random accidental changes are what provided the unique novel variations that allow the modifications for a progressive change in organisms from the first "simple" cell to all modern complex organisms.
Mendel's laws of genetics proved that normal variation of inheritance are conservative. Under Mendel's laws no new or unique variations occur by normal means. The widespread understanding of Mendel's laws brought the Darwinian Theory of Evolution into question.
De Vries found that mutations could be caused in the genetic code of fruit flies. These mutations resulted in extra sets of wings and multiple eyes. The idea of mutations being able to bring about unique and novel forms. This became the foundation of what became known as Neo Darwinian Evolution.
Recent research indicates that mutations do not result in novel information that is more complex and useful. Bacteria by mutations lose genetic information in order to become resistant to antibiotics
( The Beak of the Finch pages 260 -262) The lose of genetic information allows the white arctic fox to adapt to the arctic environment. The extra wings of the fruit fly are actually harmful to the fruit fly and the extra eyes do not work. A harmful mutation of A to T helps protect against malaria but causes Sickle Anemia.
Thought mutations may be helpful in certain environments in general mutations are harmful. There is no empirical evidence that mutations ever result in an increase in useful information.
