Which term describes a genetic change that could lead to a new trait in an organism?

The term that best describes a genetic change that could lead to a new trait in an organism is mutation. Mutations are alterations in the DNA sequence of an organism's genome, which can occur due to various factors such as environmental influences, errors during DNA replication, or can be inherited. When a mutation occurs in a gene, it may result in a new protein or function that can lead to the expression of a new trait, influencing the organism's characteristics.

Recombination refers to the process by which genetic material is mixed during reproduction, contributing to genetic diversity but not necessarily creating new traits in the way a mutation can. Segregation relates to the separation of alleles during the formation of gametes, affecting inheritance patterns but not creating new traits on its own. Translocation involves the rearrangement of parts between non-homologous chromosomes, which can lead to genetic disorders but is less straightforward in creating new traits than a simple mutation. Thus, mutation stands out as the primary mechanism through which new traits can originate in organisms.