Which statement about mutations is true?
A) Most mutations are advantageous.
B) Mutations tend to occur when an organism needs them.
C) Mutations usually decrease genetic variation within a population.
D) Environmental changes can make a previously neutral mutation advantageous.
E) Mutations cannot change the genetic makeup of populations over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Environmental changes can create new environments or alter existing ones, which can make previously neutral mutations advantageous. This is one possible way that mutations can lead to genetic changes within a population over time. The other statements are false. Most mutations are neutral or deleterious, rather than advantageous, and mutations do not occur in response to an organism's needs. Mutations can increase genetic variation within a population rather than decrease it.

Which Statement About Mutations Is True