Question

This makes sense because a mutation can cause a change in the sequence, resulting in a longer word, such as "READINESS," from the original "READ."

Answer 1

Yes, that's an interesting way to look at it! In genetics, mutations refer to changes in the DNA sequence. These alterations can lead to variances in traits or functions. Similarly, in linguistics, a "mutation" can mean the transformation of a word, typically by adding prefixes, suffixes, or altering its structure to create a longer form with expanded meaning, like "READ" evolving into "READINESS." It's a great analogy to illustrate how both processes involve change and adaptation, whether in biological forms or language.