What is a pedigree in genetics?

• A. A map of chromosomes
• B. A diagram of family relationships used to track inheritance
• C. A chart of gene frequencies
• D. A method to measure mutation rates

Answer: (B)

A pedigree is a diagram of family relationships used to track how a trait is inherited across generations. It shows individuals as symbols (often squares for males and circles for females) with shading to indicate who is affected by a trait. This visual helps you see patterns of inheritance—whether a trait tends to appear in every generation, whether it skips generations, and whether it seems linked to sex. From these patterns you can infer if a trait is dominant or recessive, autosomal or sex‑linked, and identify carriers. It’s a practical tool for predicting how likely it is that future offspring will inherit the trait. It isn’t a map of chromosomes (that would be a karyotype), nor a chart of gene frequencies, nor a method to measure mutation rates.