Genetic mutations can have harmful or beneficial effects, or no effects at all, on organisms. Look at the image below of an organism with a mutation related to its fur and eyes, and then answer the following question. How could this mutation be helpful to the organism? How could it be harmful? Grading Considerations Your answer must include an example of a circumstance/setting in which the mutation could be beneficial and an example of how it could be harmful. Your answer must directly reference/mention the organism in the image. Your answer should be 2-3 sentences in length. In an effort to combat plagiarism, answers longer than 5 sentences will not be considered. Answering concisely is evidence that you understand the material, and this question can be answered fully in just 2-3 sentences. (2 points)

Question

the organism is an albino squirrel

Answer 1

The mutation causing the albino condition in the squirrel could be beneficial in a snowy environment, where its white fur provides camouflage against predators. However, this same mutation could be harmful in wooded areas with darker foliage, where its light coloration makes it more visible to predators, potentially leading to a higher risk of predation.