Pedigree chart

A pedigree chart is a special kind of family tree that shows how certain traits or conditions run in families over many generations. It's like a map of your family's biology!

Imagine you have a blue headband that you love and wear all the time. If your mom and her mom also loved and wore blue headbands, it might mean that the love for blue headbands runs in your family. This is what a pedigree chart can help you discover!

The chart is made up of little shapes and symbols that represent different people in your family, like squares for men and circles for women. The lines between the shapes show who is related to whom, like your mom and dad are connected by a line that means they are married.

Now, let's say your family has a history of red hair. If your grandfather had red hair, but your mom and dad don't, you might wonder why that is. Using a pedigree chart, you can follow the lines and see that the gene for red hair skipped a few generations and then showed up again in you!

Pedigree charts can be really helpful in understanding why certain traits, like eye color or height, show up in your family. It's like a really cool puzzle that helps you learn about your family and yourself.