A pedigree is a chart or diagram that represents a family tree, showing the inheritance of a specific trait, genetic condition, or disease through several generations of a family. It visually displays relationships among family members and indicates which individuals have the trait or condition of interest, helping to analyze how it is passed down
. Pedigrees use standardized symbols: squares represent males, circles represent females, and a filled symbol indicates an individual expressing the trait. Lines show relationships-horizontal lines connect parents, vertical lines lead to offspring, and siblings are connected by a horizontal sibship line. This format allows for easy visualization of family connections and trait inheritance patterns
. In genetics, pedigrees are used to determine whether a trait is dominant or recessive, autosomal or sex-linked, and to predict the likelihood of offspring inheriting the trait. They are valuable tools in genetic counseling, research, and breeding programs
. Outside genetics, the term "pedigree" can also refer to a person's family history or lineage, or in animal breeding, a record of purebred ancestry, such as for dogs or horses, maintained by breed registries
