Mutation cannot explain

Options

A. mimicry
B. industrial melanism
C. connecting link
D. living fossils

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Mutation Theory**: Mutation theory was proposed by Hugo de Vries. According to this theory, mutations are random and occur in large steps, which can lead to speciation. This means that mutations can create significant changes in an organism that may result in the formation of new species.

2. **Characteristics of Mutations**: Mutations are described as being large and happening in a single step, which is referred to as the saltation process. This indicates that mutations can lead to sudden and significant changes rather than gradual changes.

3. **Role of Natural Selection**: Mutations can result in variations that may be subject to natural selection. Natural selection is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. An example of this is industrial melanism, where darker-colored moths became more common in polluted areas because they were less visible to predators.

4. **Connecting Links**: The concept of connecting links refers to organisms that exhibit characteristics of two different groups. For example, Euglena has traits of both plants and animals, making it a connecting link between these two kingdoms.

5. **Living Fossils**: Living fossils are species that have remained relatively unchanged over long geological periods and have few or no close relatives. An example is the horseshoe crab, which has existed for millions of years.

6. **Mimicry**: Mimicry is a phenomenon where one organism resembles another for protection or other advantages. It is a protective mechanism that can involve coloration and behavior. For instance, certain flowers mimic the appearance of female wasps to attract male wasps for pollination.

7. **Conclusion**: While mutation can explain many aspects of evolution, it cannot adequately explain the phenomenon of mimicry. Mimicry involves complex interactions and adaptations that are not solely the result of random mutations.

**Final Answer**: Mutation cannot explain mimicry.

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