Question

Which of the following statements explains the relationship between mutations and natural selection?

o A mutation may result in a variation of a trait that may be more advantageous.
o A mutation in the genetic material may or may not have an effect on the protein.
o All of the answer choices describe the relationship between mutations and evolution.
o A mutation may result in the death of an organism or cell.

Answer 1

Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. Beneficial mutations provide an advantage and are more likely to be passed on due to natural selection. The correct statement related to the relationship between mutations and natural selection is that a mutation may result in a more advantageous trait variation. The correct answer is option 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between mutations and natural selection is a crucial concept in understanding evolution. Mutations are random changes in an organism's DNA that create genetic variation, which is the raw material upon which natural selection acts. Not all mutations have an effect, some are neutral, but others can be beneficial or harmful. Beneficial mutations may give an organism a survival or reproductive advantage, thereby becoming more common in a population through natural selection.

On the other hand, harmful mutations can decrease an organism’s fitness and are less likely to be passed on. Natural selection is a non-random process that filters these genetic variations, leading to evolutionary change over time.

Therefore, the correct option that explains the relationship between mutations and natural selection is: "A mutation may result in a variation of a trait that may be more advantageous". This statement encapsulates the essence of how mutations contribute to the process of evolution by potentially providing advantages that natural selection can act upon.