In this article we will discuss about Mutation Theory of evolution :- Experiments of hugo de vries
and Evidence of mutation theory
- Hugo de Vries proposed the mutation theory of evolution in 1901
- Mutation is sudden change occurring in the genetic material
- According to him, new species are not formed by continuous variations but by sudden appearance of variations
Experiments of Hugo de vries
- He conducted his experiments on Oenothera lamarckiana plant
- He self-pollinated O.lamarckiana and seeds were allowed to grow
- F1 Generation: Majority similar to parents but a few were different plants
- Different plants were also self-pollinated and seeds were allowed to grow
- Next generation majority similar to parents but a few were still more different plants
- It happened generation after generation
- These plants appeared to be new species
- He suggested from his experiments that new species are formed in single step suddenly without any intermediate stage
Evidence of Mutation Theory
- ANCON SHEEP: Short legged variety of sheep which appeared suddenly in England in 1791.
The breed was artificially selected and maintained for its desirable inability to jump over fences. - Hornless Cattle developed as mutation from the homed cattle in 1889
- Hairless cats have developed through mutations
