What is the term for a diagram that shows how traits run in families across generations?

• A. Pedigree
• B. Genome
• C. Plate
• D. Chart

Answer: (A)

Pedigree diagrams are used to map how traits pass through families across generations. They show individuals as shapes (circles for females, squares for males) connected by lines to indicate relationships and offspring, with shading to mark who has the trait. This format lets you see patterns of inheritance—whether a trait appears in every generation, skips generations, or is more common in one sex—so you can infer if it’s likely autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. A Genome refers to the complete set of genetic material, not a family diagram. Plate and Chart are generic terms and don’t capture the specific purpose of tracing trait transmission across generations.