Question

In order for a genetic mutation in a species to result in the formation of a new species, what must occur?

Answer 1

Species is defined as the group of organisms which are able to interbreed to produce a viable and fertile offspring.

Thus, for the formation of a new species, that is, speciation the new species must not be able to interbreed with the original species.

The new species are formed by the accumulation of genetic mutations over the generations.

Answer 2

Adaptations are the result of evolution in different living organisms. This process occurs amazingly through gene mutation but it takes a very long period in time. Adaptation processes occur to help species survive and thrive in the ecological balance of life. Structural adaptations are physical features of an organism that adapted through time. An example of this are the bills of a bird and the fur of bears that they generally need for their survival; birds for hunting, and bears to protect them from low climate areas.

Functional or Behavioral adaptations refer to particular things that an organism or organisms do to survive. In the example above, behavioral adaptations that birds do is through certain bird calls and migration, while bears hunt during warmer seasons and hibernate during winter season.