Based on the provided reference, the answer is that genetic mutations can be adaptive.
While recombination occurs regardless of whether it's beneficial or not, the referenced research by Steele and Jinks-Robertson suggests that mutations are present only when they are beneficial and adaptive. In other words, while mutations can arise randomly, the ones that persist are those that provide some advantage to the organism in its environment.
| Feature | Adaptive Mutations |
|---|---|
| Presence | Occur when beneficial |
| Benefit | Confer an advantage in a specific environment |
| Example | Antibiotic resistance in bacteria |
Adaptive Mutation Examples
- Antibiotic Resistance: Mutations that allow bacteria to survive in the presence of antibiotics are adaptive in environments where antibiotics are present.
- Lactase Persistence in Humans: Some human populations have developed mutations that allow them to digest lactose into adulthood. This is adaptive in cultures with a history of dairy farming.
- Industrial Melanism in Peppered Moths: During the industrial revolution, dark-colored peppered moths became more common than light-colored moths in polluted areas. This was due to a mutation that allowed them to camouflage better against soot-covered trees.
In summary, while the process of mutation is random, the selection of mutations is not. Adaptive mutations, those that increase an organism's fitness in a particular environment, are more likely to be retained and passed on to future generations.
