Question

if a mutation would be beneficial, is it more likely to occur?
a. yes, bec. it helps the species survive
b. No

the answer is B, however I'm not sure why. wouldn't a mutation that is beneficial be more likely to occur for the sake of the species ?

Answer 1

Mutations OCCUR at a rate determined by things like radiation to egg and sperm, environmental genotoxic chemicals and the stability of DNA molecules, NOT whether the mutation beneficial or not. The liklihood of SURVIVAL of a mutation will be higher if the change is beneficial.

The key word here is occur, not survive.