Which term refers to the genetic transmission of traits from parent to child?

The term that correctly refers to the genetic transmission of traits from parent to child is heredity. This concept encompasses the biological mechanisms through which traits are passed down through generations. Heredity implies a direct line of descent, illustrating the process by which genetic information is conveyed from one generation to the next.

While heritability, genetics, and inheritance are closely related terms, they serve slightly different purposes in the context of genetics. Heritability refers specifically to the proportion of variation in a trait that can be attributed to genetic factors within a population, rather than focusing solely on individual transmission. Genetics is the broader field of study that encompasses all aspects of heredity, including DNA, genes, and their interactions. Inheritance refers more specifically to the actual process and patterns through which traits and characteristics are passed down, similar to heredity, but it is often used in a more context-specific manner. In summary, heredity is the most direct and precise term for the transmission of genetic traits from parent to child.