Some biologists summarize evolution by natural selection with the phrase 'mutation proposes, selection disposes.' Mutation is a process that creates heritable variation. Explain what the phrase means.

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1. Understand the phrase: 'Mutation proposes, selection disposes' is a concise way to describe the interaction between mutation and natural selection in the process of evolution. Mutation introduces new genetic variations, while natural selection determines which of these variations will survive and reproduce.
2. Define mutation: Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence of an organism. These changes can be caused by errors during DNA replication or by environmental factors. Mutations can result in new traits in organisms, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful.
3. Explain heritable variation: Heritable variation means that the changes caused by mutations can be passed on from one generation to the next. This genetic diversity is crucial for the process of natural selection, as it provides a pool of different traits that can be selected for or against.
4. Define natural selection: Natural selection is a process where organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to changes in the traits of the population, as advantageous traits become more common.
5. Connect the concepts: In the phrase 'mutation proposes, selection disposes,' mutation is proposing or introducing new genetic variations (proposals), and natural selection is disposing by choosing which variations are advantageous and should be preserved (disposes). This interaction drives the evolution of species.