During the reproduction of a species of butterflies, a mutation occurs that makes the offspring more visible to predators. Is this a positive or negative mutation? How do you predict this mutation will affect the long term survival of the species? Justify your response in two or more complete sentences.

Answer 1

This is a negative mutation because it increases the likelihood of predation and decreases the survival rate of the species. Over time, this mutation may reduce the population size of the species, leading to a decrease in genetic diversity and potentially even extinction.