My Family Pedigree
Pedigree charts are used to track the expression of a trait throughout a family tree. We use
Squares to represent Males and circles represent females. When a symbol is colored in, it
means that the individual is affected by the trait.
Autosomal traits are traits that are found in the non sex chromosomes (all chromosomes that
aren’t X or Y)
Sex linked traits are traits found on the sex chromosomes.
A dominant trait represents a trait that only requires one of its two alleles to be the Dominant
allele (Capital letter) to be affected.
A recessive trait is one that requires both of its alleles to be recessive (small letter) to be
affected.
Making a pedigree chart:
For this project you will be choosing a trait that runs in your family and creating your very own
pedigree chart of that trait.

You do not have to give the genotypes as some traits can be affected by multiple genes,
but I would like you to do some research into your trait and tell me the type of heredity
of the trait.
For example: is it autosomal dominant or recessive, is it sex linked if so which
chromosome X or Y?
You must include a small description of the trait you are tracking where you include its
type and descriptions of the variations the gene ie (phenotypes).

Be sure to go as far back as your grandparents. Your pedigree must have at least 3
generations and include both your father and mothers side, if possible.

Include a heading with the name of the trait that you are tacking as well as your own
name.
Examples of traits can also include heredity diseases or mutations if you and your family are
comfortable sharing them.
Go out and ask your family, try make an extensive pedigree chart and you may even find the
chances of your future children or the next generation having this specific trait.
You will have until the 18th of March to submit your pedigree chart.
There is a folder called My Family Pedigree submissions, in Files in our teams.
Please Save the file with your name and student number then Pedigree,
for example, Cameron King 1901234 Pedigree.
Follow the Rubric bellow to see where marks will be taken
Have fun learning about your families genetics!
Evaluation
Did Not Meet
Expectations
Met Expectations
Exceeded
Expectations
Generations
Student included
on 1st and second
generation
(2 marks)
Student Included 1st
2nd and 3rd generations
but generations are
incomplete (4 marks)
Student included all
generations with
each showing who
is affected by the
trait (5 marks)
Neatness and
clarity of work
Pedigree in untidy
and not clear.
Student must redo
Pedigree is clear and
easily readable, little to
no confusion as to who
has the trait and who
does not. (4 marks)
Correct
symbols used
(gender and if
affected or
not) And
connecting line
Description of
the trait
Symbols are
incomplete or
incorrect.
Student must redo
Symbols are accurate
and correct but
connecting lines have
mistakes
4 (marks)
The pedigree is
neat and wellconstructed with
evidence of effort
put into their work
(5 marks)
Symbols and
connecting lines are
correct and show
the lineages clearly
(5 marks)
Student has
insufficient
information about
their trait and has
not done adequate
research.
(2 marks)
Student has included
all the necessary
details of the trait such
as the type of trait and
the variations of
phenotypes.
(4 marks)
Teacher’s Comments:
Student’s reflection
Student has
included a accurate
and well described
trait that is clear an
provides a detailed
description of the
trait in their family.
(5 marks)
Total __________ points
out of 20