Real question forthcoming. But there is always something that precedes mutation, isn’t there. In the prokaryotes we find mitosis for instance. We also find that if there is no mitosis, there is no survival. Now consider mitosis - that it is orderly and periodic in nature. But also consider that it precedes any kind of mutation that may occur in a replicated member.
Please discuss for a moment why mutation may not be the best starting point for the discussion, but rather, what occurs before mutations arise. Real inquiry. Real question. If possible, please give a slow and considered answer.
edit. And like a dummy I forgot the important point --> no mitosis, no mutation.