What does cloning refer to in biological terms?

Cloning in biological terms specifically refers to the process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism, cell, or piece of genetic material. This replication stems from an original source, ensuring that the clone has the same DNA as the source. Cloning can occur naturally, such as in the case of identical twins, or can be achieved artificially through laboratory techniques, such as somatic cell nuclear transfer.

The other options, while related to genetics, do not accurately describe cloning. Genetic alteration refers to modifying an organism's genes rather than replicating its genetic makeup. Enhancing animal traits encompasses a wider range of selective breeding and genetic engineering methods that may lead to improved characteristics but does not specifically denote cloning. Genetic recombination involves mixing different alleles during reproduction, which increases genetic diversity instead of producing identical copies. Therefore, the definition of cloning as creating a replica from an original source is the most accurate and precise representation of the concept.