Correct Answer:
C. Altering human beings by changing their genetic components
The correct answer is Altering human beings by changing their genetic components because eugenics is historically defined as a movement and study aimed at modifying the genetic composition of human populations.
- Step 1 (Etymology and Concept): Coined in the 19th century, the term eugenics stems from Greek roots meaning 'good creation' or 'well-born'. It represents theories and practices that attempted to influence human hereditary traits by selectively encouraging or discouraging specific reproductive outcomes.
- Incorrect Options:
- Water diseases is incorrect because the study of waterborne pathogens and related public health infections falls under epidemiology and microbiology.
- Study of flowers is incorrect because the scientific study of plants, including flowers, is called botany or floriculture.
- Water sports is incorrect because water sports represent recreational or competitive physical activities performed in or on water, completely unrelated to genetic sciences.