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Blog 4: Mutation

 Mutations - any change in DNA sequence - are the ultimate source of genetic variation and therefore the base material for evolution. There are many different types of mutations, all with varying effects on an individuals fitness. Mutation rates are also important to consider. 

Yes, mutation rates themselves can evolve to be higher or lower. Mutation rates can vary from individual to individual, and a higher or lower mutation rate may be beneficial or not based on the type of environment. This means that selection can act on mutation rates, which may lead to evolution. Mutation rates are heritable based on the ability of organism to replicate DNA sequences and repair mistakes, which is encoded in the genome. 

High mutation rates would be beneficial in environments with high variation. If the environment is always changing, the ability of the populations that live there to adapt to varying conditions would be paramount. Adaptations arise from mutations, so the more amount of mutations occurring, the more likely one will lend a fitness advantage in the new environmental conditions and be passed on. On the flip side, low mutation rates would be beneficial in environments with low variation. If environmental conditions are fairly stable and a population is well-adapted to that environment, it would be better for mutation rates to be low so the population can keep its beneficial genes. 

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