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5 votes
Do you think it's

scientifically possible for a population of Norway
rats in North America to carry different genetic
mutations than a population of Norway rats in
Africa?

1 Answer

3 votes

Hi

Before answering this question, we need to understand first that what a mutation is. A mutation basically is a change in the DNA or genetic sequence of an organism that can significantly affect or not affect the function of a specific gene in organism.

Now coming towards the question, yes ofcourse it is possible that a Norwar rats population carries a different genetic mutation than a population os same rats in Africa or any other region, Why? Because sometimes environmental factors of a certain area can cause the population of a region to undergo mutation (For example harsh UV rays) and the other population donot contains that mutation. This will cause a slight change in the genetic makeup of the population of rats of Norther America. However, if the changes in genetic makeup continues to happen in North American Norway rats, a time will come when they will be genetically very different from same rats in Africa and in this way they will become a separate or different specie, this phenomenon is called speciation.

Hope it helps!

User Schieferstapel
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