The science of betterment of human race by application of the law of inheritance is called:

AIIMS BHOPAL NO- 2018( Shift-2nd)

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS BHOPAL NO- 2018( Shift-2nd)

Explanation

Eugenics is defined as the science that aims to improve the genetic quality of a human population.
The core principle of eugenics is the application of the laws of inheritance for the 'betterment' of the human race through selective breeding.
This involves encouraging reproduction among those with perceived desirable traits (positive eugenics) and discouraging it among those with undesirable traits (negative eugenics).
The term itself was coined by Francis Galton and is derived from Greek words meaning 'good in birth'.

Option A: Genetics is the broad scientific study of genes and heredity. It provides the foundational knowledge for eugenics but is not itself the practice of selective human improvement.
Option C: Euphenics focuses on improving an individual's phenotype (observable traits) by treating genetic diseases after birth, not on improving the gene pool of the population through inheritance.
Option D: Euthenics is the science of improving the human race by improving environmental conditions, such as nutrition, education, and sanitation, not by applying genetic principles.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Definitions of Eugenics, Genetics, Euphenics, and Euthenics as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
The concept of eugenics has a controversial and unethical history, notably its use to justify atrocities like forced sterilization and genocide. Nurses must understand this history to appreciate the importance of ethical principles in modern genetics.
Modern genetic counseling is founded on principles directly opposing eugenics, emphasizing patient autonomy, non-directive counseling, and informed consent, ensuring individuals can make their own reproductive choices without coercion.
What if? If a couple with a known recessive genetic disorder asks a nurse about ensuring their children are 'healthy,' the nurse's role is not to advise for or against reproduction (eugenics) but to refer them to a genetic counselor who can explain the risks and options like prenatal diagnosis or pre-implantation genetic testing (euphenics-related technologies).

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question stem: 'betterment of human race' and 'application of the law of inheritance'.
The key is the combination of 'improvement' and 'inheritance'. This points to a concept involving genetic selection.
Evaluate each option against these keywords.
Genetics is the study of inheritance, but not its application for 'betterment'.
Euphenics and Euthenics focus on improvement through medical treatment and environment, respectively, not inheritance.
Eugenics specifically matches the definition of using inheritance laws to 'improve' the human population.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Definitions of Eugenics, Genetics, Euphenics, and Euthenics
Stem keywords: science, betterment of human race, application, law of inheritance
Lead-in keywords: is called

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E6 Pathology-Vandana Puri & Kavita Gaur Textbook of Pathology and Genetics pp. 597-599, 598-600

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 2 — Subpart B (pp 233-449 of 464) p. 144-146