Which statement best describes a mutation?

A mutation refers to a change in the DNA sequence of an organism, and it can manifest in various ways with different consequences. Selecting the statement that describes a mutation as having beneficial, harmful, or neutral effects is accurate because mutations can impact an organism in several ways, depending on where they occur in the genome and how they affect gene function.

Beneficial mutations may provide an advantage, enhancing an organism's survival or reproduction under certain environmental conditions. For example, a mutation that confers resistance to a disease can be advantageous. Conversely, harmful mutations can lead to disadvantages, such as genetic disorders or decreased viability in a population. Neutral mutations, on the other hand, do not have a significant impact on the organism's fitness and may not affect the phenotype at all. This variety illustrates the complex role mutations play in evolution and natural selection, contributing to the genetic diversity within a population.

In contrast to the correct answer, other statements imply a more limited perspective on mutations. For instance, saying that mutations always have a beneficial effect overlooks the reality that many mutations can be detrimental or have no effect at all. Stating that they result from environmental changes alone excludes the spontaneous mutations that can occur during cell division and normal biological processes. Finally, indicating that mutations only occur