What is the result of a genetic mutation that is particularly common in the population?

A genetic variant refers to a change in the DNA sequence that can be present in a significant portion of the population. These variants can arise due to mutations but do not typically lead to adverse effects or disorders. Rather, they can reflect normal biological diversity.

In contrast, terms like "genetic anomaly," "genetic disorder," and "genetic defect" typically imply something unusual or harmful. A genetic anomaly may be an atypical finding that is not necessarily prevalent or established within the general population. A genetic disorder is usually associated with specific health implications and can be a result of mutations that disrupt normal function. A genetic defect typically indicates a mutation that has a harmful effect on the organism's health and is less commonly adaptable in terms of allele frequency in the general population.

Therefore, the classification of a genetic mutation as a genetic variant aligns with the context of being common within a population, denoting a neutral change without necessarily causing disease or disorder.