Final answer:
H. influenzae undergoes transformation through natural competence, allowing it to take up and incorporate DNA from its surroundings, potentially increasing its virulence.
Step-by-step explanation:
H. influenzae undergoes transformation, which is the uptake and incorporation of external DNA into its own genome. This process can occur through several mechanisms, such as conjugation, transduction, and naturally competent transformation. In the case of H. influenzae, natural competence allows the bacterium to take up and incorporate DNA from its surroundings, leading to genetic variation and potentially increased virulence.