Population genetics is a branch of genetics that studies the distribution of genetic variation within populations and how it changes over time. Synonyms for population genetics include evolutionary genetics, quantitative genetics, and population genomics. Evolutionary genetics refers to the study of how natural selection and other evolutionary forces shape the genetic makeup of populations over generations. Quantitative genetics focuses on the genetic basis of complex traits such as height, intelligence, and disease susceptibility. Population genomics combines the study of genetic variation with the analysis of genomic data to gain insights into the evolutionary history and demographic processes of populations. Ultimately, these different fields of study all contribute to a better understanding of the diversity and evolution of life on Earth.