Many mutations are harmful and can even kill an organism. For example,if one were to randomly change a setting in the hard drive of a computer, the result would be harmful rather than helpful. Every once in a while, however, a mutation gives an organism a certain advantage over other individuals. For example, webbed toes allow for faster swimming. Similarly, thicker coats allow for being to live in cold temperatures. These changes help an organism live. The trait is then passed on to its offspring. These offspring are more likely to survive and produce other offspring that will also live. through mutations, a species can develop characteristics that allow it to live in different environmnts.