What is required before a hypothesis advances to the status of a scientific theory ?

The hypothesis has to survive all attacks on it and continue to provide the best known explanation of the known data. In the scientific method, there are several steps towards the creation of a hypothesis and eventually a theory.
 1. Gather data. 
 2. Construct a hypothesis that explains the data. This hypothesis should be capable of being disproved and should be capable of making predictions.
 3. Gather more data. DO NOT cherry pick only that data which supports the hypothesis . If data is uncovered that contradicts the hypothesis , revise or replace the hypothesis.
 4. After the hypothesis has survived all attacks on it and is the best known explanation of the data, then it becomes a theory.
 5. Note, data collection continues after the hypothesis became a theory and if new data is discovered that is in conflict with the theory, then the theory is modified, or discarded in favor of a new hypothesis or theory.

Amutation is basically the change in the gene, caused by alteration of single based units in the dna, or the genes or chromosomes were rearranged in the dna

Hunting in the darksome fish rely on senses beyond sight. in the darkness of the marianas trench, a fish called the rattail has an extremely sensitive sense of smell. the fish uses scent, rather than sight, to steer toward food. once it's near food, the rattail uses a special organ on the bottom of its chin to guide itself by feel.marine snowone staple of the deep sea diet is "marine snow," flakes of organic, edible substances that sink down from the upper ocean. animals at the ocean's bottom find sustenance in everything from the bodies of dead creatures to fecal matter. marine snow is diverse enough to support numerous species. for instance, several species of snails and worms feed exclusively on deceased whales.microorganismsthe deep sea is an intricate ecosystem, and even the ocean floor itself plays a part. hydrothermal vents are cracks in the sea floor where erupting magma mixes with ocean water to produce plumes of hot, sulfur-rich chemicals. some microbes can use these chemicals for energy, sustaining their existence and that of the animals who depend on their roles in the deep sea food chain.