Final Answer:
The term given to multiple forms of a gene that are produced by mutation is "allele." Option 3 is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alleles refer to different versions or forms of a gene that arise from mutations. These variations in alleles result in diverse traits within a population. When a gene mutates, it can create new alleles, leading to genetic diversity. For instance, in the case of eye color, different alleles of the gene for eye color (like brown, blue, green) exist due to mutations.
Each individual inherits two alleles—one from each parent—for a particular gene. Dominant and recessive alleles determine the expression of traits in an organism. For example, in Mendelian genetics, dominant alleles often mask the effects of recessive alleles in phenotype expression. This genetic variation is essential for the process of evolution, allowing species to adapt to changing environments over time by natural selection.
Alleles are crucial in understanding inheritance patterns and genetic diversity within populations. They play a significant role in the principles of genetics and evolutionary biology, highlighting the diversity present in organisms due to mutations and their impact on gene expression and heredity.
Therefore, option 3 is the right answer.