Answer:
Mutation
Step-by-step explanation:
A mutation is any change in the nucleotide sequence of the genome of a particular organism. Mutations may be caused by errors during DNA replication or by exposure to environmental mutagenic factors (e.g., ultraviolet radiation, chemical agents, etc). Mutations can be deleterious, neutral or beneficial depending on the environment. When a beneficial mutation occurs in the germline, it may potentially be inherited and subsequently increase its frequency in the population.