also, what is it's role in evolution of species? why does a certain variant possibly result in more offspring? i've always thought it to be environmental pressures, but i dont know what else... are random mutations like, natural disasters that allow one variant to live and not another?
2007-03-18 11:18:30 · 3 answers · asked by EmStar 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Not actually natural disasters. When chromosomes are copied, there can be mistakes. Bits can get reversed, duplicated or deleted. This may cause a change in the animal or plant affected.
That change may then cause them to be better or worse fitted (remember "survival of the fittest"? That's what it means) to their environment.
2007-03-18 11:26:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mutations are changes in the gene sequence and can be caused by many things. It could be a mistake in copying. A cosmic ray or radioactive damage. Chemical or heat stress. Invasion by a virus.
If the result is lucky and there is some advantage then the organism will thrive. Otherwise bye bye.
2007-03-18 18:29:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
all mutations are random (unless you believe in a god that is constantly interfering with whatever he did before)
some variations may result in those individuals coping with environment better and being about to out-survive and out-reproduce others.
natural disasters make a big change in the environment which may eliminate some or all predators, allowing a much richer set of variations to thrive and ultimately win through. so in effect a disaster looks like it causes a spurt in evolution
2007-03-18 18:28:35 · answer #3 · answered by hustolemyname 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋