Mutations A Mutation is A permanent change in

Mutations

A Mutation is… A permanent change in genetic material. (DNA) Causes a change in a trait, which can then be passed down to offspring.

Mutations n n n Can occur naturally during cell division. Can be caused by exposure to X rays, sunlight, nuclear radiation or some chemicals Some mutations are random – they show up for no reason at all!!

Mutations can be… n Helpful n Harmful (many are harmful) n Neutral

Beneficial Mutations n n Mutations that are helpful to an organism. Can increase a living things chances of survival!! Examples: n n Brighter colored flower would attract more pollinators. A woodpecker with a longer beak could reach more insects.

Harmful Mutations n n Mutations that are NOT HELPFUL to an organisms’ survival. Can often cause death! Examples: n n An white squirrel stands out in its woodland environment (no camouflage) A bird is born with a deformed wing

…to think about this… Why aren’t most harmful mutations passed on to future generations?

Neutral Mutations n Neutral mutations have no effect on an organism’s ablility to survive. This type of mutation does not help or harm an organism.

How do we know if a mutation is helpful, harmful or neutral? n It depends on the environment that the organism lives in. In other words: n If a squirrel lived in a very snowy forest, wouldn’t it be beneficial to have white fur?