Mu*ta"tion (?), n. 1.
(Biol.) Gradual definitely tending variation, such as may
be observed in a group of organisms in the fossils of successive
geological levels.
2. (Biol.) (a) As now
employed (first by de Vries), a sudden variation (the offspring
differing from its parents in some well-marked character or
characters) as distinguished from a gradual variation in which the new
characters become fully developed only in the course of many
generations. The occurrence of mutations, and the hereditary
transmission, under some conditions, of the characters so appearing,
are well-established facts; whether the process has played an
important part in the evolution of the existing species and other
groups of organisms is a disputed question. (b)
The result of the above process; a suddenly produced
variation.
Mu*ta"tion (m&usl;*tā"shŭn),
n. [L. mutatio, fr. mutare to change:
cf. F. mutation. See Mutable.] Change; alteration,
either in form or qualities.
The vicissitude or mutations in the superior
globe are no fit matter for this present argument.
Bacon.
Mu*ta"tion (?), n. 1.
(Biol.) Gradual definitely tending variation, such as may
be observed in a group of organisms in the fossils of successive
geological levels.
2. (Biol.) (a) As now
employed (first by de Vries), a sudden variation (the offspring
differing from its parents in some well-marked character or
characters) as distinguished from a gradual variation in which the new
characters become fully developed only in the course of many
generations. The occurrence of mutations, and the hereditary
transmission, under some conditions, of the characters so appearing,
are well-established facts; whether the process has played an
important part in the evolution of the existing species and other
groups of organisms is a disputed question. (b)
The result of the above process; a suddenly produced
variation.
