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Mutations can’t explain all of the changes that happen over time to organisms. Mutations are a rare thing caused by radiation, and they don’t get passed onto offspring. True or False and why?

A: True - Mutations are rare and caused by radiation, and they don't get passed on to offspring.
B: False - Mutations are common and can be passed on to offspring through genetic inheritance.

User Tyler
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Mutations are changes in an organism's DNA nucleotide sequence and can occur spontaneously or due to environmental factors. They can also be passed on to offspring through genetic inheritance.

Step-by-step explanation:

Mutations are changes in an organism's DNA nucleotide sequence and can occur due to various factors.

While it is true that mutations can be caused by environmental factors such as radiation, they are not rare. Mutations can happen spontaneously during DNA replication or as a result of exposure to mutagens like chemicals and viruses.

Furthermore, mutations can be passed on to offspring through genetic inheritance. Germline mutations that occur in eggs or sperm can be inherited by the next generation.

Therefore, the statement 'Mutations are a rare thing caused by radiation, and they don’t get passed onto offspring' is False.

User Daniel Papasian
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