Front

What is a pedigree chart?

Back

A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence and appearance of phenotypes of a particular gene or organism and its ancestors, used to track genetic traits across generations.

Front

What does it mean for an individual to be a carrier of a trait?

Back

A carrier is an individual who has one copy of a recessive allele that does not manifest in their phenotype but can be passed on to offspring.

Front

How can you identify the number of generations in a pedigree chart?

Back

Count the horizontal rows of the chart; each row represents a generation.

Front

What symbol represents males in a pedigree chart?

Back

A square represents males in a pedigree chart.

Front

What symbol represents females in a pedigree chart?

Back

A circle represents females in a pedigree chart.

Front

How do you determine the number of offspring in a pedigree chart?

Back

Count the symbols connected to a couple's line; each symbol represents an offspring.

Front

What does a filled symbol indicate in a pedigree chart?

Back

A filled symbol indicates that the individual expresses the trait being studied.

Front

What does a half-filled symbol indicate in a pedigree chart?

Back

A half-filled symbol indicates that the individual is a carrier of the trait.

Front

How can you tell if a trait is dominant or recessive in a pedigree chart?

Back

If the trait appears in every generation, it is likely dominant; if it skips generations, it is likely recessive.

Front

What is the significance of the first generation in a pedigree chart?

Back

The first generation is the starting point of the pedigree, showing the original parents from whom the subsequent generations descend.