Question

Why can't organisms control genetic mutations?

because mutations only happen in laboratories
because mutations are random, unplanned changes
because mutations are usually harmful to organisms
because mutations are controlled by organisms' environment

Answer 1

Correct answer: because mutations are random, unplanned changes.

Explanation: Mutations arise from random errors in DNA replication or from damage (chemical, radiation, etc.). Organisms cannot purposefully produce specific, beneficial mutations; natural selection only filters mutations after they occur. The other choices are wrong: mutations do not only happen in labs, they are not usually directed by the organism, and while the environment can affect mutation rate, it doesn't let the organism control which mutations occur.