Random changes in DNA may provide new genes in a population's gene pool. What determines whether a mutation is beneficial? the amount of DNA changed a survival advantage of the mutation a survival and/or reproductive advantage of the mutation ) the cause of the mutation

survival and/or reproductive advantage of the mutation determines whether a mutation is beneficial. While the amount of DNA changed and the cause of the mutation can influence the *effect* of the mutation, it's the impact on survival and reproduction that determines if it's *beneficial*. A beneficial mutation increases an organism's chances of passing its genes on to the next generation.<br />