Grade 7 Pedigree Analysis Worksheet

Grade 7 Pedigree Analysis Worksheet

Carefully read each question and use the provided pedigree chart to answer. Remember the symbols: squares represent males, circles represent females, and shaded shapes indicate individuals expressing the trait.

Observe the pedigree chart below to answer the following questions:

1. In a pedigree chart, a square represents a  .

2. A shaded circle in a pedigree chart indicates a   who expresses the trait.

3. The lines connecting individuals horizontally represent  .

4. Offspring are connected to their parents by a vertical line and then a horizontal line to the  .

5. How many generations are shown in the pedigree chart above?

6. Based on the pedigree chart, would you consider the trait to be dominant or recessive?

7. Explain why pedigree charts are useful tools in genetics.

8. If two parents who do NOT express a certain trait have offspring who DO express the trait, what can you infer about the inheritance pattern of this trait?

9. A half-shaded symbol in a pedigree chart always indicates a carrier for a dominant trait.

10. In a pedigree, a double line connecting a male and female indicates a consanguineous (related) mating.