What is the mutation-selection theory primarily concerned with?

The mutation-selection theory focuses on the interplay between random mutations and the mechanism of natural selection in driving evolutionary change. It posits that mutations introduce genetic variation within a population, and these variations can affect an organism's fitness. Natural selection acts on this variation by favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction, thereby influencing which mutations persist and become more prevalent in the population over time.

This theory emphasizes the significance of both mutation, which is a source of new genetic material, and natural selection, which determines the survival of those mutations based on how advantageous they are in a given environment. Therefore, it provides a comprehensive framework for understanding how genetic diversity arises and how it is shaped by evolutionary pressures.