Final answer:
The phenomenon where one gene compensates for the loss of function of another gene is called genetic compensation or genetic buffering.
Step-by-step explanation:
When one gene can compensate for the loss of function of another gene, the phenomenon is called genetic compensation or genetic buffering. This process is crucial in maintaining function when a gene is lost due to mutation or deletion.
It allows an organism to survive and potentially adapt despite changes in its genetic makeup. In addition to genetic compensation, there are other related phenomena in genetics, such as epistasis, where the expression of one gene masks or modifies the expression of another, and polygenic inheritance, where multiple genes contribute to a single trait.