The science of heredity is called
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Science of Heredity: Genetics
Introduction to Heredity and Genetics
Heredity is the biological process through which parents pass on genetic traits to their offspring. This fundamental concept explains why offspring resemble their parents and why there is variation among individuals of the same species. The science dedicated to studying heredity and the variation of these traits is known as genetics 247.
Historical Context and Evolution of Genetics
The understanding of heredity has evolved significantly over centuries. In the 18th century, the study of reproduction and development was referred to as the "science of generation" . It wasn't until the 19th century that these ideas converged into a comprehensive theory of heredity, largely due to the work of Gregor Mendel, who established the foundational laws of inheritance in 1866 . Mendel's work laid the groundwork for modern genetics, which studies the transmission of traits through genes located on chromosomes 35.
The Chromosomal Theory of Heredity
Modern genetics has established that hereditary material is located in the chromosomes of the nucleus of reproductive cells, such as sperm and eggs. This material is organized into functionally separate units called genes, which are responsible for the transmission of traits from parents to offspring 35. This understanding is known as the chromosomal theory of heredity, which has been supported by extensive research and experimentation .
Genetic Variation and Inheritance
Genetics not only explains the transmission of traits but also the reasons behind variations among individuals. For instance, why two offspring from the same parents may look different or why there are differences in traits such as skin color and height among individuals . These variations are crucial for the process of natural selection and evolution, as they allow differences between individuals to accumulate over generations .
Beyond Genetic Inheritance: Extra-Genetic Factors
While traditional genetics focuses on the transmission of genetic material, recent studies have highlighted the importance of extra-genetic factors in heredity. These include environmental influences and parental behaviors that can affect the development of offspring. This broader perspective on heredity suggests that it is not solely determined by genetic transmission but also by various other mechanisms through which parents influence their offspring .
Conclusion
In summary, genetics is the science of heredity, focusing on the transmission and variation of traits through genes. The field has evolved from early philosophical inquiries to a robust scientific discipline grounded in the chromosomal theory of heredity. Modern genetics continues to expand, incorporating insights from both genetic and extra-genetic factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of how traits are inherited and how they vary among individuals.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic