The term for genetic variations caused by mutations is referred to as genetic polymorphisms. Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can occur due to various factors, including environmental influences and replication errors. Polymorphisms can lead to differences in traits and may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to the organism. These genetic variations play a significant role in evolution, contributing to the diversity within a population. Understanding genetic polymorphisms is crucial in fields such as genetics, medicine, and evolutionary biology.