15. Which statement best describes how a mutation interacts with evolution in a species? Mutations are always lethal and thus cause the extinction of which they occur. Mutations can give an advantage during environmental cha new species to evolve. Mutations rarely occur in the egg or sperm so their effect c evolution is rare. Mutations always cause an immediate effect and new spe the next generation.

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to identify the statement that best describes how a mutation interacts with evolution in a species. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each statement:<br /><br />1. "Mutations are always lethal and thus cause the extinction of which they occur." This statement is not accurate because not all mutations are lethal. Some mutations can be beneficial or neutral.<br /><br />2. "Mutations can give an advantage during environmental changes, leading to the evolution of new species." This statement is correct. Mutations can indeed provide an advantage during environmental changes, which can lead to the evolution of new species.<br /><br />3. "Mutations rarely occur in the egg or sperm, so their effect on evolution is rare." This statement is not accurate because mutations can occur in any cell, including egg and sperm cells.<br /><br />4. "Mutations always cause an immediate effect and new species appear in the next generation." This statement is not accurate because mutations do not always cause an immediate effect. It can take many generations for a mutation to have a noticeable effect.