Evolution linked to mutation?

Question

Evolutionists argue that mutations are the key to genetic change and hence evolution.

Discuss how mutations are the key to genetic change and evolution."

Answer 1

I'm a bit suspcious of a question that starts "Evolutionists argue ..." as if there was a significant percentage of scientists who argue otherwise.  Pretty much *ALL* scientists argue that mutations are the key to genetic change and hence evolution.

The reason is that evolution requires three ingredients:

* Variation

* Inheritance

* Competition

Mutations are the fundamental source of variation.   Another source of variation is sexual recombination ... but in asexually reproducing organisms, mutations are the pretty much the only source of variation.

Answer 2

Evolutionists argue that modifications in genetic code lead to abnormal and potentially advantageous genetic expression in phenotype.  If these changes create a situation where an organism is better suited to survive and reproduce in it's environment, then those particular genes are more likely to survive in the gene pool.  

To answer your question, this is primarily the reason why genetic mutation enables to process of evolution.  Be aware that genetic mutation is not the only mode of evolutionary change in a particular species.