Hugo de Vries Mutation Theory
Hugo de Vries was a Dutch Botanist from Netherland who proposed the Mutation Theory of Evolution in 1901.
He conducted his experiment on evening prime rose (Oenothera lamarckiana).
He observed 15, 16, 20 and 22 chromosomes in different plants of that species. In fact, they should have 14 chromosomes.
According to him, speciation is due to mutation rather than continuous variation. The theory of mutation as described by him is given below.
Key points of Mutation Theory:
- Mutations Create Species
- Sudden Changes
- Heritable Mutations
- Selection of Favorable
- Mass Variation
Criticism of Hugo de Vries Mutation Theory
Though Hugo de Vries mutation theory has many good aspects, it is criticized. These criticisms are given below.
Key Criticisms:
- Hybrid Nature of Plant
- No Fixed Direction
- Sudden Mutations Not Favorable
- Role of Nature Unexplained
- Recessive Characters