In the context of types of mutations, can a genetic mutation be beneficial to an organism?

• A. Yes; some mutations increase an organism’s fitness in a particular environment and can be favored by natural selection.
• B. No; mutations are always harmful because they always disrupt gene function.
• C. No; mutations are always neutral and never affect phenotype or fitness.
• D. Only if the mutation occurs in somatic (non-reproductive) cells, because those are the only mutations that can improve fitness.

Answer: (A)