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Newguest Posted 16 years ago
Vocabulary

At a rate of ...

Hi

Biologists have estimated that mutations only occur at a rate of about one per several million cells in every generation. However, since only a miniscule number create beneficial traits which give a survival advantage, some scientists have doubted that, in the words of Fritjof Capra, “This frequency [is] sufficient to explain the evolution of the great diversity of life forms.”


--- Does it say that mutation takes place in one out of million cells and that according to some scientists it's not enough to explain the diversity of species.
  

Top answer

Hi, Biologists have estimated that mutations only occur at a rate of about one per several million cells in every generation. ” --- Does it say that mutation takes place in one out of million cells You have omitted important information. The writer said 'about', 'several'.

  • Hi, Biologists have estimated that mutations only occur at a rate of about one per several million cells in every generation.
  • ” --- Does it say that mutation takes place in one out of million cells You have omitted important information.
  • The writer said 'about', 'several'.
  • He also gave it as a rate per generation.
  • and that according to some scientists it's not enough to explain the diversity of species.
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5 Answers
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Hi,

Biologists have estimated that mutations only occur at a rate of about one per several million cells in every generation. However, since only a miniscule number create beneficial traits which give a survival advantage, some scientists have doubted that, in the words of Fritjof Capra, “This frequency [is] sufficient to explain the evolution of the great diversity of life forms.”
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Hi Clive.

Could you somehow paraphrase the 1st sentence for me, as I'm still not sure I get everything.

Maybe: Biologists have estimated that mutations take place in one out of several millions (not one million?) cells during the given generation??? Does "generation" refer to "human generation"?
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In my opinion, generation is not only about human, it's about all organisms
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Hi,

Biologists have estimated that mutations only occur at a rate of about one per several million cells in every generation. However, since only a miniscule number create beneficial traits which give a survival advantage, some scientists have doubted that, in the words of Fritjof Capra, “This frequency [is] sufficient to explain the evolution of the great diversity of life forms.”
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I understand. Thanks.

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