Genetics is the study of inheritance. Most, if not virtually all, human characteristics are regulated by genes. However, eugenics could change this. Eugenics is a set of beliefs and practices that aims at improving the genetic quality of the human population. Eugenic principles have been practiced since ancient Greek times and continue to be debated to this day. The eugenics movement swept the world as countries adopted eugenic policies meant to improve the gene pool, but then became negatively associated with the Holocaust and was gradually abandoned. However, recent reproductive technology is causing ethical controversy and a fear that a eugenic movement will be revived.
