Final answer:
The process of replica plating is designed to test for advantageous mutations in response to selective agents or naturally occurring mutations in the population.
Step-by-step explanation:
True. The process of replica plating is indeed designed to test if advantageous mutations result in response to the selective agent or were naturally present in the population before selection. Replica plating involves transferring bacterial colonies from a master plate to multiple plates with different nutrient compositions. This technique allows researchers to identify auxotrophic mutants unable to produce specific nutrients and study their genetic variations.