Final answer:
A genetic mutation is not prevented by a sudden mutation in the body cells or environmental changes; it can be caused by errors in DNA replication or exposure to mutagens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is about the factors that could prevent a genetic mutation. A genetic mutation would not be prevented by a sudden mutation in one of the body cells (option A). Option B, the failure of the individual with the traits to pass it on, and Option D, the failure of an individual with the trait to reproduce, are both factors that could prevent a mutated trait from being passed on to the next generation but do not prevent a mutation itself from occurring. In contrast, option C – a sudden change in the abiotic conditions of the environment – does not necessarily prevent mutation; in fact, environmental factors can often increase the chance of mutations due to exposure to mutagens.
A mutation is any change in the DNA sequence that might occur spontaneously during cell division or due to exposure to environmental factors like radiation or chemicals, which can increase the frequency of mutations. Mutations can lead to new traits, but for a mutation to impact a population significantly, it often requires natural or sexual selection to favor the change.