The best replacement for mutation is polymorphism.

The best alternatives to mutation are rated as following:
★★★★★  polymorphism
★★★★★  evolution
★★★★  adaptation
★★  recombination
★★  snp
★★  substitution
★★  somatic mutation
★★  variant
★  chromosome mutation
★  frameshift mutation
★  natural selection
★  mutant
★  variation
★  transformation
  gene mutation
  nonsense mutation
  genetic drift
  chromosomal variation
  point mutation
  substitution mutation
  induced mutation
  deletion in the
  deletion
  missense mutation
  crossover
  selection
  frameshift
  genetic variation
  base substitution
  germ cell mutation

Your alternative for mutation is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about mutation, one probably shouldn't forget about evolution.

Other search terms related to mutation and their ratings are:
★★★★★ evolution
★ frameshift mutation
primary mutation
You have in mind a companion for mutation and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

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mutation
polymorphism
evolution