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Title: Describe the relationship between mutation genetic variation natural selection and evolution. Post by: Panchilla on Nov 26, 2016 Please and thank you
Title: Re: Describe the relationship between mutation genetic variation natural selection and evolution. Post by: Othello2 on Mar 25, 2017 Alright so the basic idea of natural selection is that the animals with the weakest traits die off and those with the stronger traits survive. Evolution is this process occurring over millions of years and is never ending. Genetic mutations are the bedrock of these processes. For example insects are constantly being killed by pesticides. However now we are seeing insects that are immune to pesticides. How did this happen? Over time one of the bugs was born with a genetic mutation making it immune to pesticides. It did not die and was able to live a long bug life breeding at will. Everytime it had bug babies some had the mutation and some didn't. The ones that did have the mutation survived while the ones that did not, died. Which left those that survived with the mutation to have more bug children and the process continued.
You see there are millions of mutations that can occur, but all you need is the one that gives you an edge over your rival. For some it is better camouflage, a thicker coat or opposable thumbs. There is no right or wrong mutation, it depends on the enviro and what obstacles that animal will have to face. And the mutation that helps the animal now might now in 200 years, the next mutation will arise allowing the species to survive. |