Question

In pedigrees, circles represent ________, squares represent ________, and a shaded circle or square represents the ________ we are tracking?

1) males, females, trait
2) females, males, trait
3) males, females, disease
4) females, males, disease

Answer 1

In a pedigree, circles represent females, squares represent males, and a shaded circle or square denotes the trait or genetic disease being traced. The correct answer is option 2) females, males, trait.

Step-by-step explanation:

In pedigrees, circles represent females, squares represent males, and a shaded circle or square represents the trait or genetic disease we are tracking. To provide a detailed answer to the student's question: In pedigrees, circles represent females, squares represent males, and a shaded circle or square represents the trait or disease that we are tracking. The correct option out of the ones provided is 2) females, males, trait. A pedigree is an important tool used in genetics to trace the inheritance of specific traits or diseases through several generations. It helps predict the likelihood of offspring inheriting a certain genetic condition by displaying whether family members are carriers or affected by the trait or disease in question. Pictorial cues in a pedigree can also suggest if individuals with the trait are heterozygous (two different alleles) or homozygous (two of the same allele). Scientists use pedigree analysis extensively to study inheritance patterns such as autosomal or sex-linked traits.