The short segments produced in the formation of a new DNA strand during replication are called Okazaki fragments.

Here's why:

* DNA replication is semi-conservative: This means that each new DNA molecule is composed of one original strand and one newly synthesized strand.

* DNA polymerase can only add nucleotides in the 5' to 3' direction: This poses a problem on the lagging strand, which runs in the opposite direction of the replication fork.

* Okazaki fragments are the solution: DNA polymerase synthesizes the lagging strand in short, discontinuous segments called Okazaki fragments. These fragments are then joined together by DNA ligase to create a continuous strand.

Let me know if you'd like to know more about DNA replication!