Not really. A genetic defect is a precursor to evolution. If the trait doesn’t benefit the animal and isn’t passed on with reproduction there is no evolutionary process, just a dead mutant.
That what you described is part of the evolutionary proces, just because it doesn't last doesn't mean it is not part of the proces. Failures breed succes.
This isn't that, though. If this chick lived long enough to breed, it would not have four-legged offspring. This is a defect, likely from birth. Evolution doesn't happen with a single generation. Millions of years of variations made genetics diverge. Not random mutations of extra limbs.
This is like throwing a book in a fire and saying it's part of the cooking process. Just because it has some of the same aspects, doesn't make it the same thing.
It is only a defect because of your judgement. It is a mutation and mutations are a part of evolution.
If this chick bred, it might have four limbed offspring or maybe it just raises the chance of mutations of this kind by some percentage in any offspring down the line. You might not see another mutation for many generations. That doesn't mean that there is no evolution going on.
It is about the genes not about the individual looks or characteristics of one animal.
If this isn't detrimental to the survival of the genes then it will most likely stay in the genepoool. If the environment changes or the mutations add up to something that makes this benefitial for survival (of the offspring) then it might become a new variation or even a new species over time.
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u/Lou_LL_11 Mar 06 '25
Genetic defect is just another word for evolution.