Question

Based on scientific research, which statement best describes mutations?
Mutations are rare occurrences.
Mutations are always harmful.
Mutations cannot be inherited.
Mutations cannot be acquired.

Answer 1

"Mutations are rare occurrences."

Explanation: At the level of any given DNA base the mutation rate per generation is very low, so individual mutations are relatively rare events. However, across an organism's whole genome and across populations/generations, many mutations do arise. Crucially, mutations are not always harmful (many are neutral or occasionally beneficial), they can be inherited if they occur in germ cells, and they can also be acquired (somatic mutations).