why are mutations and conjugation important for natural selection in prokaryotes
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Answer: Mutations are important because if a prokaryote mutates it could change something for the good or the bad. When its just binary fission there is no variation. Prokaryotes exchange parts of their chromosomes.
Conjugation is the process by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. During conjugation, one bacterium serves as the donor of the genetic material, and the other serves as the recipient. The donor bacterium carries a DNA sequence called the fertility factor, or F-factor.
Mutation can have an effect on the ability of a prokaryote to undergo genetic exchange and be caused indirectly by genetic exchange. Similarly, genetic exchange can result directly in mutations.