Answer: B) A higher than average mutation rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
- A mutation occurs whenever there is a permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of any given organism.
- There are several intrinsic and external factors that can cause mutations, one of them being exposure to radiations.
- A radioactive element undergoes radioactive decay and in this process emits radiations that can cause mutations.
- Therefore, the lizards living in the area where there is a high concentration of radioactive material in the rocks will have a higher rate of mutations.