Beginnings of Research - - Genetic Mutation

Below there are three online articles that address at least one of my questions listed under 'Genetic Mutations' in the previous post.

- http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/05/13/airpollution.php
This article discusses the effect of air pollution on animals. It focuses around the Great Lakes and Ontario where highways and steel mills have been used in case studies. First, it was observed that sea gulls had formed mutations that were then being passed to their offspring. The ones closest to the mills had the most mutations and the results were compared with observations in more rural areas, the latter was much lower. Next, mice were observed in the same areas, showing similar results. A final case study in the article on filtered air and polluted air for caged mice showed a significantly higher number of genetic mutations for those bred from the polluted air.

The main point: The research done so far strongly suggests that air pollution is an important factor in genetic mutations on animals. It will take more time and research until the results and new research can be applied to humans.

- https://buscoscience.wikispaces.com/Animal+Mutations+in+Evolution
This website gives a brief overview of finches, white tigers, and frog mutations. It contains short, simple summaries with some pictures and a video. A site such as this is one that gives me something to look for, it warrants more research. This discusses the evolution of a specific kind of bird, the 13 types of finches. Their adaption to different environments for a food source has caused changes in the birds' beaks. This is an example of how a genetic mutation from a natural environment can become evolution should it prove useful. The white tigers are an example of how a trait can be passed to the cub and gives the chances of its inheritance. Last, there are observations of frogs with multiple legs and the reason is as of yet unknown. One hypothesis is a genetic mutation cause by a pesticide farmers use when caught in the sun, another is that a parasite caused it.

The main point: Genetic mutations can have multiple causes and sometimes become a strength passed on in generations, turning into an evolutionary improvement for a species' population.

- http://natureniche.tripod.com/mutation.html
This website gives information on whether mutations are beneficial or harmful. It begins defining two kinds of genetic mutations: point mutation and frameshift mutation, the second generally results in a useless or harmful mutation. It then brings up 4 examples of animals and how their body mutations are greatly influenced by their environment and just how swiftly their benefit or hindrance can change with an environment change. The mentioned animals include the panda, kakapo, penguin, and naked mole rat. For each, the environment they live in has, over time, changed their bodies to best suit the needs their surroundings require. In the case of the kakapo bird, it was safe with its useless wings until man came and introduced predators that could use that flightless trait as an advantage.

The main point: The environment is key to genetic mutations, whether induced by humans or not. It does affect what the mutation will be (not that it makes them good changes) and it ultimately decides whether or not that particular change is useful or harmful.