How can mutations affect evolutionary processes? A) Mutations are novel genes that increase an organism’s fitness in the environment. B) Mutations are new genotypes that cause an organism to be more poorly fit due to non-functional essential genes within its genome. C) Mutations are changes in the genome that can code for new phenotypes that may be selected for or against by the environmental pressures. D) Mutations are changes to protein structure that create new genotypes that can be selected for or against by the environmental pressures.

Option A is incorrect as mutations may be detrimental to the organism and are not always beneficial. Option B is incorrect as there are instances where mutations may enable organisms to be better adapted to the environment. Option D is incorrect as genotypes are not selected for or selected against by environmental pressures, it is only the phenotype (exhibitable/ visible traits) that can be selected for or against, hence option C is the answer.