Which term is also referred to as heredity?

The term that is synonymous with heredity is genetics. Genetics is the branch of biology that studies genes, genetic variation, and heredity in organisms. It focuses on how traits and characteristics are passed down from one generation to the next through genetic material, primarily DNA. This process underpins the study of heredity, where traits are inherited according to Mendelian principles and other genetic mechanisms.

In the context of heredity, genetics encompasses not only the transmission of traits but also the structure and function of genes. It includes investigations into how environmental factors can influence gene expression, further connecting the study of genetics directly to the concept of heredity.

Other terms like genetic mapping, gene therapy, and chromosomal analysis pertain to specific aspects of genetic research or applications but do not directly equate to the overall concept of heredity. Genetic mapping refers to the arrangement of genes on chromosomes, gene therapy involves direct treatment for genetic disorders, and chromosomal analysis focuses on the study of chromosome structure and function. While all these areas relate to genetics, none encapsulate the broader process of heredity like genetics does.