Environmental factors play a big role in how often genetic mutations happen. Here are some key things that can cause these changes:

1. Radiation:

   • When living things are exposed to certain types of radiation, like UV rays from the sun, it can hurt their DNA. This damage can lead to more mutations. Studies show that when cells are exposed to UV light, the mutation rate can increase by about 1 in every 100 cells.

2. Chemicals:

   • Some chemicals, called mutagens, can change the DNA in cells. For example, being around benzene, a chemical found in some industries, can make mutations happen three times more often in blood cells.

3. Temperature:

   • If the temperature goes up, that can also lead to more mutations. Research shows that if the temperature increases by just 10 degrees Celsius, mutation rates can become two to four times higher. This happens because molecules move faster and react more quickly at warmer temperatures.

4. Biological Agents:

   • Viruses can cause mutations, too. Sometimes when a virus infects a cell, it can change the DNA. This can occur at a rate of about 1 in a million base pairs during one cycle of cell division.

It's important to understand how these factors affect genetic changes. This knowledge helps us learn more about how living things adapt and evolve over time.