List two characteristics of mutation that helps in explaining evolution.

Mutation means the change in the base sequence of the DNA. It is a driving force of evolution and causes random change in a population's gene pool. Firstly, mutations give rise to new alleles; therefore, they are the source of variation in a population. Secondly, Only those acquired characters are inheritable which are caused by the mutation in the genome of an organisms. Thus the characters or variations evolved in the next generation is due to the mutations in the genes. For example,  a mutation may permit organisms in a population to produce enzymes that will allow them to use certain food materials. Over time, these types of individuals survive, while those not having the mutations perish. 

  • 2
What are you looking for?