What is the study of selective breeding in humans known as?

The study of selective breeding in humans is known as eugenics. Eugenics refers to the idea and practice of improving the genetic quality of human populations through selective breeding, often advocating for certain traits to be carried on and undesirable traits to be reduced. This concept emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has often involved controversial and unethical practices aimed at controlling reproduction to increase the prevalence of desirable heritable characteristics.

In contrast, hybridization typically refers to the crossing of different species or varieties to produce hybrids, while population genetics studies genetic variation within populations and the forces that drive that variation. Genetic screening involves testing individuals for specific genetic traits or disorders rather than intentionally selecting for particular characteristics in a population. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how eugenics specifically pertains to the selective breeding of humans.