1. Molecular Phylogenetics
The Tree of life image that appeared in Darwin’s On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection, This is the only figure in On the Origin of Species.

2. DNA Mutation
A change in the nucleotide sequence of the genetic material of an organism
Create variation in the gene pool upon which natural selection can act
Only germ line mutations can be passed on to descendants

3. Causes of DNA Mutations
Replication errors
Chemical mutagens
Ionizing Radiation
UV Radiation

4. Types of DNA Mutations

5. Types of Mutations
Deletion
Insertion
Do you think point mutations or insertions/deletions have greater effects?

6. Do you think most mutations are harmful? Beneficial?
Mutation Rates
Eukaryotes: 10-4 to 10-6 mutations per base pair per generation
Bacteria: 10-8 mutations per base pair per generation
Human genome size: 3 billion base pairs
Bacteria: million base pairs
Do you think most mutations are harmful? Beneficial?