Introduction:
A pedigree is a family tree that shows the relationships among family members and traces a specific
genetic trait within the family. It is a “shorthand” way to represent the members of a 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:
Using a poster board, create your family pedigree of one particular trait.
(Traits are listed below.)
Include the following:
1) A legend (see example below).
2) First names for all members.
3) A title detailing what trait you will explore.
4) Indicate people with the trait, carriers and people without the trait.
Note: If it is a dominant trait, there are no carriers, only people who have it or not.
5) Indicate whether the trait is dominant or recessive.
6) Create a Punnett square of 2 people with known genotypes.
Answer: What are the possible offspring’s genotypes and phenotypes?
7) Indicate the genotype of each person (If there are several possible genotypes, make sure
to include all possibilities.)
8) You must include at least 3 generations.
Possible Traits:
Trait
Eyelash length
Widow’s peak
Dimples
Freckles
Ear lobes
Hair on middle digit
Roman nose
Toe length
Hand use
Tongue roller
Height
Curved thumb
Cleft chin
Dominant
long (>1cm)
widow’s peak
dimples
freckles
free
hair
bent nose
2nd toe longer
right handed
can roll
short
Females: < 5’7”
Males: <5’10”
hitchhiker thumb
no cleft
Sample Pedigree Legend
Recessive
short (<1 cm)
straight line
no dimples
no freckles
attached
no hair
straight nose
big toe longer
left handed
cannot roll
tall
5’7” or taller
5’10’ or taller
straight thumb
cleft
= men
= women
or
= person with trait
or
= carrier
= marriage
= offspring or
children
Deceased
Twins
Pedigree Chart Project Rubric
Name: _________________________________
Points ______ /
Pedigree Chart Due Date:____________
50
Appearance Score: _____ / 5
(1 point) Project is somewhat neat, writing is legible, sentences are complete with mostly correct punctuation and spelling.
(2 points) Project is mostly neat, writing legible, complete sentences, correct punctuation/spelling, few lapses may occur,
visual elements appealing.
(3 points) Neat & legible, correct mechanics and grammar, appealing visual elements that are mostly colorful and
consistent.
(4 points) Project is neat, legible, and contains correct mechanics and grammar, visual elements are consistent and eyecatching.
(5 points) Project neat & correct, visual elements are appealing, consistent, and convey a sense of topic/concept
Quality Score: _____ / 5
(1 point) Project elements convey limited time was spent assembling project/presentation, giving the project a sense of
rushed creation.
(2 points) Project elements convey some thought was put into project, elements are neatly placed, some color or attempt
at attractiveness was made.
(3 points) Elements convey a certain degree of thought and time was put into the project evident through color and
attractiveness; content clear & concise
(4 points) It is clear that thought and time were put into content, visuals, and decorative elements.
(5 points) Project elements, content, information, visuals, and decorative elements are clearly beyond expectations and
use creative ideas.
Required Elements Score: _____ / 40
* The following elements are worth 2 points each: a title detailing the trait, indication of the trait being dominant or
recessive
(2 points) At least one of the two elements is completed correctly.
(4 points) Both of the elements are completed correctly.
* The following elements are worth 4 points each: legend, first names of all members, indication of people with the trait,
carriers, & people without the trait, Punnett square, and results (genotype & phenotype) of Punnett square
(4 points) At least one of the five elements is completed correctly.
(8 points) At least two of the five elements are completed correctly.
(12 points) At least three of the five elements are completed correctly.
(16 points) At least four of the five elements are completed correctly.
(20 points) All five of the elements are completed correctly.
* The following element is worth 6 points: having 3 generations
(6 points) Displaying three generations
The following element is worth 10 points: indication of the genotype of each person on the chart
(10 points) Correctly displaying the genotype for each person – remember to put all possibilities if there is more than one
possibility
Comments: