What role does mutation play in human evolution?

Mutation plays a critical role in human evolution as it introduces genetic variation within populations, which is essential for natural selection to occur. Genetic variation arises from mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome. These changes can produce new traits that may be beneficial, neutral, or detrimental to the organism's survival and reproduction.

The introduction of genetic variation through mutation allows populations to adapt to changing environments. For instance, if a mutation confers an advantage, such as increased resistance to a disease or improved ability to find food, individuals carrying that mutation may be more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these advantageous traits can become more common within the population, highlighting the importance of mutation as a driving force in evolution.

This ability of mutation to generate diversity is crucial for the long-term survival and adaptability of species, including humans, making the option highlighting its role in introducing genetic variation for adaptation the most accurate choice.