AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -(Identical twins are born with exactly the same genome, but a host of environmental and epigenetic factors produce differences even in identical twins.) These occasional random mutations are responsible for driving the evolution of species by sometimes conferring a survival advantage.

Detailed explanation-2: -The only mutations that matter for the evolution of life’s diversity are those that can be passed on to offspring. These occur in reproductive cells like eggs and sperm and are called germline mutations.

Detailed explanation-3: -Causes of Mutations In nature, mutagenesis can lead to changes that are beneficial or harmful or have no effect. Harmful mutations can lead to cancer and various heritable diseases, but beneficial mutations are the driving force of evolution.

Detailed explanation-4: -The ultimate source of all genetic variation is mutation. Mutation is important as the first step of evolution because it creates a new DNA sequence for a particular gene, creating a new allele. Recombination also can create a new DNA sequence (a new allele) for a specific gene through intragenic recombination.