Question

What might be a negative mutation that would hinder the bug population?

Answer 1

Negative mutations have altered gene product. Such mutations result altered molecular reactions. They bring a new phenotype which may be harmful most of the times because of the changed molecular functions. Mutation in the genes which are vital for the survival of the organism can control the bug population. Mutations in genes controlling respiratory enzymes, mutations in genes which controls the functioning of body muscles, can control the bug population. Because muscles are needed in almost all organisms for important body functions like, respiration and circulation. So mutations in muscle functioning can make the organism difficult to survive.

So negative mutations occurring in such important genes can control any bug population. Most of the mutations are harmful. If they are dominant mutations, it can express in more number of individuals. So effectiveness is much in controlling population size.