MadSci Network: Evolution |
1. The term "mutation" doesn't mean cancer. 2. The evolution operates on the following basic principles: a) Variations (caused by mutation which may be beneficial or detrimental) b) Natural selection (only those that can live better in that niche alone can surivive in due course of time). c) Adaptation (the above process leads to this). As a result animal become "specialized" to live in a particular niche. As long the niche (specific environmental condition) doesn't change the animal continue to exist. This doesn't mean that there is NO mutation. There will be mutations, but those that are undesirable/harmful will be eliminated. This may look as if the animal has never changed (mutated). If there is a abrupt change in the niche then the species (that is specialized to live in that particular environment) becomes extinct (example: dinosaurs).
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