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Module 4 Prompt:

I think that mutation rate can evolve within a species. I think there are many circumstances where mutation rate must change in order to keep the species alive. It can increase or decrease depending on what will help make the organism most fit for its environment. There are many factors that can influence this mutation rate. Exposures to very high doses of potent mutagens can increase the mutation rate per generation by more than 100 fold. Nature of the gene and the environment can also play a huge factor in changes in mutation rate. Protective agents, possibly dietary, can alter this. Mutations allow organisms to adapt, but also can create negative impacts to fitness levels. The mutation rate is often considered a slow evolving parameter, but it is still subject to change and evolve over time. A high mutation rate can initially be beneficial because it allows for a quicker adaptation, but once the adaptation is reached, the benefit disappears. Low mutation rates have more of an advantage because they prevent the occurrence of deleterious mutations and also help maintain existing beneficial mutations. 

Comments

  1. Lauren LeikerDecember 3, 2021 at 11:56 AM

    Hi Megan! I agree with your statement that mutation rate can evolve within a species. It’s true that there are multiple factors that can impact a species mutation rate and I’m glad you pointed out how both high and low mutation rates can have their benefits to a species.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gretchen GrahamDecember 9, 2021 at 2:21 PM

    Hi Megan. I like how you went into depth about why mutation rates can evolve with a species. There are many different factors that play into that you did good on explaining that. Good work!

    ReplyDelete

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