D1.3.7—Mutation as source of variation
Mutation creates new alleles and heritable variation, supplying raw genetic material on which natural selection can act in changing populations.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2025
- Objective
- D1.3.7
- Level
- SL
Exam analysis
Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2016
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1
Recent exam appearances
May 2016Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ022[ 1 ]D1.3.7—Mutation as source of variation
November 2013Paper1 ["SL"] · TZ020[ 1 ]D1.3.7—Mutation as source of variation
Practice this objective
Coverage 2013–2016 · Updated 16 Jul 2026
Concept essentials
- Mutation produces new alleles.
- Heritable variation requires a change in genetic material.
- Mutation can generate variation in both sexual and asexual organisms.
- Natural selection acts on variation that mutation can supply.