Changes

Common external factors include [[ultraviolet]] radiation, chemical [[mutagen]]s, or parasitic organisms (such as [[viruses]] or [[bacteria]]). Most internal causes of mutations stem from errors in reproduction of genetic material.  

Common external factors include [[ultraviolet]] radiation, chemical [[mutagen]]s, or parasitic organisms (such as [[viruses]] or [[bacteria]]). Most internal causes of mutations stem from errors in reproduction of genetic material.  

Some organisms will respond to harsh environments by increasing the rate of mutations. This is known as [[hypermutation]] and is hypothesized to aid organisms by creating wider variation in the [[gene pool]] of the population, increasing the chances that at least some descendents might survive under harsh conditions. Hypermutation also occurs in the human [[immune system]], so that our antibodies have more variation and can respond to a greater variety of invaders.  

Some organisms will respond to harsh environments by increasing the rate of mutations. This is known as hypermutation and is hypothesized to aid organisms by creating wider variation in the [[gene pool]] of the population, increasing the chances that at least some descendents might survive under harsh conditions. Hypermutation also occurs in the human [[immune system]], so that our antibodies have more variation and can respond to a greater variety of invaders.  

==Classes of mutations==

==Classes of mutations==