Floating mutation is a term used in genetics to refer to a type of genetic mutation that occurs in a population of organisms, but does not become fixed in the gene pool. There are several other terms that can be used to describe this phenomenon, including transient mutation, fluctuating mutation, and variable mutation. These terms all have a similar meaning, describing a mutation that appears and disappears in a population over time, without becoming established as a common trait. This type of mutation can play an important role in evolution, as it allows for genetic variation within a population without necessarily leading to permanent changes in the gene pool.