What type of mutation occurs due to environmental factors?

Induced mutations are a result of environmental factors that cause changes in the DNA sequence. These factors can include exposure to radiation, chemicals, and certain biological agents that can lead to alterations in the genetic material. Unlike spontaneous mutations, which occur naturally and without external influence, induced mutations are specifically triggered by external agents, making them distinct.

While other types of mutations, such as spontaneous and silent mutations, play important roles in genetics, they do not arise as a direct consequence of environmental stimuli. For instance, spontaneous mutations occur without any known external cause, while silent mutations typically refer to changes in the DNA sequence that do not affect the protein produced, often because of the redundancy in the genetic code. This makes induced mutations the correct answer in the context of environmental impact on DNA.