What term is used for the family tree that traces the inheritance of traits over generations?

What term is used for the family tree that traces the inheritance of traits over generations?

• A. Pedigree
• B. Genome
• C. Chromosome
• D. Phenotype

Answer: (A)

A pedigree is a diagram that represents the familial relationships and the inheritance of specific traits through generations. It is commonly used in genetics to visualize how traits are passed down from parents to offspring, making it possible to identify patterns of inheritance. For example, a pedigree can illustrate whether a particular trait is dominant or recessive within a family lineage, helping geneticists study heredity and predict the likelihood of traits appearing in future generations. The other terms, while relevant to genetics, do not pertain directly to the concept of tracing inheritance over generations. A genome encompasses all the genetic material of an organism, chromosomes are structures within cells that carry genes, and phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an individual, rather than their inheritance pattern.

A pedigree is a diagram that represents the familial relationships and the inheritance of specific traits through generations. It is commonly used in genetics to visualize how traits are passed down from parents to offspring, making it possible to identify patterns of inheritance. For example, a pedigree can illustrate whether a particular trait is dominant or recessive within a family lineage, helping geneticists study heredity and predict the likelihood of traits appearing in future generations. The other terms, while relevant to genetics, do not pertain directly to the concept of tracing inheritance over generations. A genome encompasses all the genetic material of an organism, chromosomes are structures within cells that carry genes, and phenotype refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an individual, rather than their inheritance pattern.