Mutation Rates

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Do you think mutation rates evolve? Explain your answer in the context of Darwin's postulates about natural selection!

I believe mutation rates evolve over generations. We see mutations as a fundamental factor in evolution as it allows for genetic variation that natural selection can act upon. Changes in genetics can lead to a change in mutation rate. Charles Darwin’s postulates is a theory stating that natural selection is the major cause of evolution. Each of his postulates can be tested.  These postulates are: “Individuals within species are variable” “Some of these variations are heritable” and “Individuals that reproduce more successfully are those with the favorable gene variations”. These postulates pertain to variation among individuals and over generations. It hits close to how mutations work as they are the cause for the variations in genes among individuals in a population. Additionally, Darwin’s ideas of evolution and change over generations promote the evolution of mutation rates. Overall, since the mutation is a key factor in natural selection and evolution, it is safe to assume that mutation rates can evolve.

 

Under what circumstances do you envision high or low mutation rates to be adaptive?

In terms of viruses and bacteria, our mutation rates evolving all the time. The mutation rates change in response to pressures. An evolved mutation rate can allow the bacteria or viruses to quickly produce mutations for survival. This would be an example of high mutation rates. The virus needs to change quickly for survival and a high mutation rate could mean it is more successful than other viruses and lead it to reproduce more so than others, leading to an adaptation of a mutation rate. Additionally, cancerous cells and tumors are other examples of high mutation rates. Low mutation rates would be seen in an environment that is more stable than one a cancerous tumor is in. The low mutation rate can be favorable when change isn’t needed to survive. To me, this means low mutation rates occur when whatever is in place right now is “perfect” or near it. It is working and therefore there are minimal external pressures for change. There are different pressures and factors that can push a mutation rate to evolve to high or low. High mutation rates become adaptive when change is needed quickly and low mutation rates are evolved when change isn’t necessarily needed to survive.