wobbles

[littleindiangirl]

Genetic Mutation- (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism

Genetic Disorder- genetic disorder
n. A pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene or by a chromosomal aberration. Also called hereditary disease, inherited disorder.

Source: Dictionary.com

Morphs are mutations, no doubt, but I would be hesitant to call it a disorder. As stated above, disorders are usually detrimental to the animal or "pathological", which is usually disease.

I'm not gonna run and look up definitions, and I wasn't arguing if mine was right or not.

Like I said, many morphs are easily explained by what they are prohibiting in the body of the cell. Either by deletion of genes, or chromosomal aberration limiting certain functions.

I'm applying the genetics I know about rat colors and coats to snake morphs. It's essentially the same thing, just different animal.

But by the dictionary definition of genetic mutations:

Genetic Mutation- (genetics) any event that changes genetic structure; any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence of the genotype of an organism

I would hesitate to call simple snake morphs mutations. Rereading the definition states clearly that it is an event that changes the genetic structure. Any alteration in the inherited nucleic acid sequence.

Sounds more like a mutated DNA strand and not a gene that is inherited that produces such effects. (even though I'm sure they are out there)

Genetic Disorder- genetic disorder
n. A pathological condition caused by an absent or defective gene or by a chromosomal aberration. Also called hereditary disease, inherited disorder.

This sounds more like what a snake morph is to me, still just applying what I know about rat color genetics

Either way, what does it really matter?