Genetics study (8)
I believe the answer is:
heredity
'genetics study' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for heredity that I've seen before include "Transmission of recognisable characteristics to descendants" , "passing on features" , "Congenital traits" , "Characteristics handed down from ancestors" , "Genetic endowment" .)