A beneficial mutation is a genetic change that increases the fitness or survival of an organism. Synonyms for beneficial mutations include advantageous mutation, favorable mutation, and positive mutation. These mutations are essential for the evolution of species and the development of new traits. They can be caused by changes in the DNA sequence, gene duplication, or mutation in regulatory regions. Beneficial mutations can result in improved resistance to diseases or changes in metabolism, leading to an increased chance of survival in changing environments. Overall, beneficial mutations are crucial for the adaptation and survival of organisms in their environments.