Explain the relationship between mutations, adaptations, natural selection, and extinction.

Sample Response: Adaptations result from random mutations in the genes of organisms. Depending on the environment, these adaptations may be favorable or unfavorable. If an adaptation is favorable, it is selected by nature and, over time, more and more organisms in a population will have it. If the environment changes so much that the adaptations of a species are no longer enough for the species to survive, extinction will occur.

Mutations and natural selection cause adaptations. Mutations can cause instant adaptations, while natural selection is the process by which adaptations occurs over a series of generations and Adaptations are changes or processes of changes by which an organism or species becomes better suited for its environment. A mutation is an alteration of the DNA sequence. Sometimes such alterations code for the same amino acid sequence as the unaltered DNA strand during protein synthesis. In such a circumstance, the mutation is not detectable. However, other mutations alter the genetic code in such a way that a noticeable change in the trait that is associated with that gene is visible. Sometimes such mutations are advantageous and improve the organism's ability to survive in its environment.