A sudden, random, discontinuous and heritable change is

Options

A. Genetic drift
B. Mutation
C. Genetic load
D. Bottle neck

Answer

To solve the question "A sudden, random, discontinuous and heritable change is," we need to analyze the options provided and understand the definitions related to each term.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question describes a change that is sudden, random, discontinuous, and heritable. We need to identify which of the given options fits this description.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Genetic Drift**: This refers to changes in allele frequencies in a population due to random sampling of organisms. It is not sudden or heritable in the sense described in the question.
- **Mutation**: This is a sudden change in the DNA sequence that can occur randomly. Mutations can be heritable if they occur in the germ line (sperm or egg cells), and they are often discontinuous as they can result in new traits appearing suddenly.
- **Genetic Load**: This refers to the presence of unfavorable genetic variants in a population. It does not describe a sudden change but rather the accumulation of deleterious alleles.
- **Bottleneck Effect**: This occurs when a population's size is drastically reduced due to an event, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. It does not describe a sudden change in the genetic material itself.

3. **Identifying the Correct Answer**: Based on the analysis, the only option that fits the description of being sudden, random, discontinuous, and heritable is **Mutation**.

4. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the answer to the question is **Mutation**.

### Final Answer:
A sudden, random, discontinuous, and heritable change is **Mutation**.

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