Final answer:
Mutation provides the genetic variation needed for other forces of evolution to act, such as natural selection. It is the ultimate source of new alleles and genetic variations in a population. Beneficial mutations can spread through a population through natural selection, while harmful mutations are removed from the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mutation alone does not have a significant effect on allele frequencies, but it is still important in evolution because it provides the genetic variation needed for other forces of evolution, such as natural selection, to act. Mutation is the ultimate source of new alleles and genetic variations in a population. Beneficial mutations can spread through a population through natural selection, while harmful mutations are removed from the population. Overall, mutation contributes to the genetic diversity and adaptation of populations over time.