Final answer:
The correct answer to the schoolwork question is that a gene producing a beneficial, but not survival-essential, product is called a non-essential gene.
Step-by-step explanation:
A gene that produces a beneficial product that is not absolutely required for survival of the organism is called a non-essential gene. These genes may provide beneficial mutations that help organisms adapt and survive in their environment. However, they are not critical for the basic survival of the organism, unlike essential genes for which nonfunctional alleles can result in recessive lethal outcomes. In contrast to such essential genes, a non-essential gene does not lead to lethality when mutated or missing.