Genetics in Action: Mutations

Hugo de Vries, a Dutch botanist, observed new varieties of evening primroses, similar to Mendel's findings. He termed these changes 'mutations,' which are rare genetic events that create new alleles. Mutations often have no or negative effects on organisms.

What observations did Hugo de Vries make about evening primroses?

How did de Vries's results compare to those of Gregor Mendel?

What did de Vries call the sudden changes he observed in the primroses?

What is a mutation, and how does it affect an organism?

Why are mutations considered rare events in a population?