Final answer:
DNA viral replication often uses host enzymes, while RNA viral replication requires virus-encoded enzymes leading to frequent mutations and rapid evolution, exemplified by the yearly changes in the influenza virus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between RNA and DNA viral genome replication lies in the type of genetic material they possess and the replication process they employ. DNA viruses typically use host-cell proteins and enzymes to replicate their DNA and produce viral mRNA for protein synthesis. Meanwhile, RNA viruses must encode their own enzymes to replicate their RNA genomes. RNA-dependent RNA polymerase or reverse transcriptase (in retroviruses) is utilized, which is prone to errors and leads to frequent mutations, resulting in rapid viral evolution. For example, influenza, an RNA virus, requires a new vaccine yearly due to these mutations.