Family Traits Survey
Student name:
Trait 1
Trait 2
Family Member
You
Pedigree Rubric
Trait 3
Criteria
Points Possible
3 Different Traits Surveyed
3
8+ Family Members Surveyed
8
3 generations
3
Shaded correctly
3
Appropriate Key Shown
3
Title with family name and trait
2
Uses appropriate symbols
3
Names correctly labeled under symbols
2
Neat/Legible
3
Total
Points Earned
30 Summative Points
*Note- Only choose traits that you know exist within your family. (Example- don’t choose
red hair if no one in your family has red hair!)
*Also, it is very important to pick a trait that not every family member has
in common. For instance, if some of your family has blue eyes and some have
brown eyes, that would be a great trait to study! However, if every family
member has brown eyes (and no blue) that would not be a good trait to
study.
You must survey at least seven different blood-related family members (Parents, siblings,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins). However, the more people you survey, the more you
will find out about your inheritance! 
Family Pedigree Assignment
Introduction: A pedigree is a family tree that shows the relationships among family
members and traces a specific genetic trait within the family.
By following a few guidelines, you can make a pedigree chart for your family. You
might even be able to find a pattern in the way a family characteristic is inherited.
Directions: You will survey 7 or more family members to see what inherited traits exist
within members of your family. Sample traits have been suggested for you. Using a poster
board or large piece of paper, create your family pedigree of one particular trait. Please
see the rubric to know what needs to be included. This assignment is due on Tuesday,
February 17th. You will hand in your survey, rubric, and family pedigree chart for a 30
point SUMMATIVE grade.
If for any reason the family traits survey opens up difficult or sensitive issues or if
you have questions, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
*The goal of this project is for students to learn a little more about why we look the way
we do – and it should be fun!
REMEMBER:
• Pick 3 different traits for your survey and write these results on your data table. You
will draw a pedigree of only ONE of these traits.
• Survey as many family members as possible (biological relatives). *You are only required
to survey one side of the family, but you may do both if you choose! 
• Have fun!
Trait
Eyelash length
Widow’s Peak
Dimples
Freckles
Ear Lobe
Hair on middle finger
Roman nose
Toe Length
Hand use
Curved Thumb
Sample Traits
Dominant
Long (1 cm. +)
Widow’s peak
Dimples
Freckles
Detached
Hair on middle finger
Roman nose (bent)
2nd toe longer
Right-handed
Hitchhiker’s Thumb
Recessive
Short (Less than 1 cm.)
Straight hairline
No Dimples
No Freckles
Attached
No hair on middle finger
Straight nose
Big toe longer
Left-handed
Straight Thumb