Mutation Genetics
Mutations are genetic anomalies that don't act like other genes
Unlike markings and color modifiers, mutations only have one gene form; they are not Heterozygous or Homozygous, just 'present'.
Mutation genes will always be written in the format [x--], before any color modifiers and markings in the gene sequence, with a "x" in front of the capitalised genetic abbreviation to indicate that it is a mutation. Here's an example of Bioluminescence in a genotype with a Hom Skyward color modifier!
Mutations have a limit of 3 total per dinosaur - this is the maximum amount of genetic aberrations that one body can handle. There is no way to remove a mutation at this time, but there will be in the future!
They do not naturally pass from parent to offspring, so having a mutated parent will not influence the chances of mutated offspring! Instead, mutations are random anomalies that appear when breeding two dinosaurs together. In the future, Irradiated dinosaurs could potentially have some influence over mutated offspring!
Mutations have a very small chance to appear when hatching an egg. There is a high chance for them to appear from Lost Specimen eggs; which is currently an event-exclusive item.
Mutations can also come from use of a Mutagen item, which applies a random mutation to a selected dinosaur. Only one can be added to a dinosaur this way. This is currently an event-exclusive item.
Mutations in Action
Mutations have the most diverse effects of all the gene types
Each mutation is unique and includes its own set of rules and ways to incorporate the mutation into your design. All mutations are highly customizable, so there are many ways to use them when adding them to your dinosaur! You'll still need to follow the rules and limitations detailed on each mutation's page, but you may otherwise customize features however you wish.
Some mutations allow you to add extra features to your dinosaur, such as spikes from Thorny or armor plates from Exoskeleton. These features can be drawn onto the import by you or another designer. There are no pre-made linearts for these features, you get full control over them!
Other mutations behave more like markings or modifiers, such as Vitiligo or Bioluminescence. These mutations include rules on allowed edge types and coverage. Many of these genes also include options to modify other features as well, such as keratin, eyes, and gums.
Examples
