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1. A mutation that occurs in a body cell will not contribute to the evolution of a species because mutations in body cells (somatic mutations) are not passed on to offspring.
2. Offspring are produced through the combination of germ cells (sperm and egg cells) during the process of sexual reproduction.
3. Only mutations that occur in the germ cells can be passed on to the next generation and potentially contribute to evolutionary changes within a species.
4. Mutations in germ cells can lead to genetic variation in offspring, which is a driving force for evolution as it introduces new traits that can be favored by natural selection over time.
5. In summary, mutations in body cells do not affect the genetic makeup of offspring, and therefore do not play a direct role in the evolution of a species.
