What does mutation indicate in the context of evolution?

In the context of evolution, mutation refers to a permanent change in the genetic material of an organism. Mutations can occur in various ways, such as alterations in the DNA sequence, which can lead to new traits or characteristics. Because these changes are embedded in the organism's genome, they can be passed on to future generations if they occur in reproductive cells. This process is crucial for evolution as it introduces genetic diversity within a population, providing the raw material upon which natural selection can act.

Unlike reversible changes in phenotype, which might stem from environmental factors rather than changes in the genetic code, mutations are lasting alterations. While adaptation and natural selection are related processes that can lead to the evolution of a species, they depend on the variations created by mutations. Adaptations refer to traits that have evolved over time in response to environmental pressures, and natural selection is a mechanism through which these adaptations are favored. Therefore, understanding mutations as foundational changes in genetic material is key to both evolutionary biology and the mechanisms of how species evolve over time.