What describes the gradual change in genetic traits over generations?

The gradual change in genetic traits over generations is best described by genetic change. This concept encompasses the cumulative alterations in the genetic makeup of a population over time, often driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, mutation, gene flow, and genetic drift. These processes lead to variations in traits that can become more or less common in the population due to environmental pressures or random events, resulting in the evolution of species.

Genetic change reflects the ongoing dynamics of population genetics, where specific alleles can increase or decrease in frequency, thus shaping the genetic landscape of future generations. This continuous process allows populations to adapt to changing environments, contributing to biodiversity and the emergence of new traits.

In contrast, transduction specifically refers to a mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, while genetic variation denotes the differences in alleles and traits among individuals within a population at a single point in time. Artificial selection is a process driven by humans to select for certain traits in organisms, aiming for specific desirable characteristics rather than the natural accumulative changes seen in genetic change.