Concept:A sudden, permanent change in the DNA of an organism that produces a new trait which can be passed to offspring.
Explanation:The phrase "change in the genetic make-up" refers to an alteration in the DNA sequence.
"New inheritable characteristic" means the changed trait is passed from parents to offspring.
This process is exactly what a mutation describes.
Mutations can be caused by radiation, chemicals, or errors during DNA replication.
Other options are not correct: a locus is a gene position, a hybrid is a cross-bred offspring, and diploid refers to having two sets of chromosomes.
Answer:A. Mutation