What term describes a diagram showing inheritance patterns across generations?

• A. Family tree
• B. Species
• C. Pedigree
• D. Fossil

Answer: (C)

A pedigree is a diagram that shows how a trait is passed from generation to generation. It uses standard symbols—squares for males, circles for females, a line connecting mates, and vertical lines leading to offspring—to trace who inherits the trait across generations. By examining the pattern of who is affected, you can infer whether the trait is dominant or recessive, autosomal or sex-linked, and identify possible carriers. This differs from a family tree, which maps relationships and ancestry without focusing on trait inheritance; a species is a broader category of organisms; and a fossil is a preserved remnant from the past. That makes pedigree the best term for diagrams that illustrate inheritance patterns over generations.