Final answer:
Segments of DNA that are transferred from parent to offspring are called genes, which determine the traits and contribute to genetic diversity within a species. Terms like translocation and transposition describe movements of these genes within the genome.
Step-by-step explanation:
Segments of DNA transferred from parent to offspring are called genes. These genes are essentially portions of the DNA that carry the instructions for producing proteins through the processes of DNA replication and transcription. Each gene carries specific genetic information that contributes to the traits and characteristics of the offspring, resulting in genetic diversity within a species. This diversity is related to the different combinations of genes inherited from both parents. Moreover, in the context of genetic alterations, terms like translocation and transposition refer to the movements of genes between nonhomologous chromosomes or within the same DNA molecule, respectively.
In addition, some genetic material may be transferred between species, especially in marine prokaryotes, through particles that facilitate such transfers leading to increased genetic variability. Translocations can significantly affect the functionality of genes depending on how they are rearranged in the genome, sometimes leading to disorders or diseases if critical genes get disrupted. Finally, transposable elements, also known as "jumping genes," can independently move or copy themselves within a genome, serving as another source of genetic variation.