I've always been amused when mutations are raised to support evolution. By definition, and strictly speaking mutations are simply changes, however I can't think of any BENEFICIAL mutations. Only mutations which cause a negative impact...But as I understand it, evolution wants to say there are good mutations. I'm just not aware of any. If you know of some, I really [sincerely] would be interested in reading about them.
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I can't think of any BENEFICIAL mutations. Fundy-to-English translation: I'm too lazy to do any research; therefore, I'm right.
Well then you've obviously never read X-Men.
"I've always been amused when mutations are raised to support evolution."That must be because you don't understand mutations and the ToE.
"By definition, and strictly speaking mutations are simply changes"
Yes, changes in the DNA of an individual.
"however I can't think of any BENEFICIAL mutations."
You may have to think a little harder, or maybe even study biology.
"Only mutations which cause a negative impact...But as I understand it, evolution wants to say there are good mutations."
It's true that many mutation are harmful or not beneficial, but some mutations bestow a significant benefit to the survival or breeding ability of the individual with the mutation.
"I'm just not aware of any. If you know of some, I really [sincerely] would be interested in reading about them."
As has been said, drug-resistant bacteria. Just about every trait which which increases the reproductive ability or survival of any species you can think of was acquired through mutation.
Producing more melanine to adapt to the amount of sun radiation is bad?, developing scales for the water, feathers for the air and hair in land is not benefitial?, what about the viruses and bakteriae which mutate to become more resistant?
Beneficial mutations:
-Some people are born without an appendix.
So, yes there are beneficial mutations and over time with natural selection we would have no more appendixes or wisdom teeth. However, with genetic technology we're likely to just remove the genes for having appendixes and wisdom teeth within the next few centuries.
There's a mutated form of gene CCR5. If you get a copy from one parent you're resistant to AIDS. If you get it from both you're f***ing immune.
Confused?
So were we! You can find all of this, and more, on Fundies Say the Darndest Things!
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