What is the Human Genome Project?

The Human Genome Project is best described as an international research effort to sequence and map all the genes of the human genome. Launched in 1990 and completed in 2003, it was a collaborative project among scientists from various countries and was aimed at identifying the approximate 20,000-25,000 genes in human DNA, determining the sequences of the three billion chemical base pairs that make up human DNA, and addressing the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic research.

This project has had profound implications in the fields of medicine, genetics, and biology. By mapping the human genome, researchers have been able to gain insights into genetic diseases, improve diagnostic techniques, and facilitate the development of targeted therapies based on individual genetic profiles.

The other options describe distinct subjects that do not align with the specifics and purpose of the Human Genome Project. For instance, the initiative to elucidate human behavior falls under psychology or behavioral sciences, while genetic modification of crops pertains to agricultural biotechnology. A national health survey focuses on population health data rather than genomic sequencing. Hence, the essence of the Human Genome Project lies squarely in its foundational goal of mapping and sequencing human DNA, which is accurately captured by the correct answer.