What is the term for a random error in gene replication that leads to a change?

The term for a random error in gene replication that leads to a change is mutation. Mutations are alterations in the nucleotide sequence of an organism’s DNA, which can occur spontaneously during DNA replication or be induced by environmental factors. These changes can result in a range of effects, from no change in function to significant alterations in protein expression or function, potentially leading to new phenotypes.

Mutations form the basis for genetic diversity within populations and are crucial to the process of evolution, as they provide the raw material upon which natural selection can act. Without mutations, the genetic variation necessary for evolution would not exist, making them fundamental to both genetic studies and the understanding of evolutionary biology.

In contrast, genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, adaptation involves the process through which organisms become better suited to their environment, and speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. While these concepts are related to genetics and evolution, they do not directly describe the process of a random error in gene replication resulting in a change.