Which best describes somatic mutations? a. they are usually passed on to offspring. b. they can cause different kinds of cancer. c. they always result from point mutations. d. they only occur in reproductive cells.

Somatic mutations cannot be passed on to offspring. They don't always result from point mutations, and they don't occur in reproductive cells. They can, however, cause different forms of cancer.

The correct option is B.
Somatic mutation refers to the type of mutation which occur after conception. Such mutation can occur in any of the cells in the body with the exception of germ cells, therefore, somatic mutations are not transferable from parents to offspring. The genetic alterations brought about by somatic mutation can cause different types of cancer.  

Generally travels west to east but often shifts to north and south