Question

1. a mutation occurs when there is a change in the:

a. weather
b. dna sequence
c. animals behavior
d. food source

1. which of these mutations would be passed on to a baby giraffe?

a. a scar on the mother’s leg
b. a change in the dna of a mother’s skin cell
c. a change in the dna of a mother’s egg cell
d. stronger muscles from the mother running fast

1. mutations are considered

andom\ because:
a. they only happen to random animals like zebras.
b. the cell does not choose which dna part changes or why.
c. they always happen at exactly 12:00 pm.
d. they only happen in the summer.

1. if a mutation helps an organism hide better from predators, that mutation is:

a. harmful
b. neutral
c. beneficial
d. contagious

Explanation:

Question 1

Mutations are defined as changes in the genetic material. DNA is the genetic material, so a mutation is a change in the DNA sequence. Weather, animal behavior, and food source are not related to the genetic change that defines a mutation.

Only mutations in germ cells (like egg cells, which are involved in reproduction) are passed on to offspring. A scar, skin cell DNA change, or muscle changes from exercise are somatic (body cell) changes and not passed on. A change in the mother’s egg cell DNA can be inherited by the baby giraffe.

Mutations are random because the cell does not have a mechanism to choose which part of the DNA changes or the reason for the change. Options about random animals, specific time, or season are incorrect as mutations are not limited by these factors.

Answer:

B. DNA sequence

Question 2