California Science Test (CAST) Practice Exam

Which term describes a diagram that shows how a trait is passed through generations?

Family tree Diagram Pedigree Chart

Correct Answer:

Pedigree

Explanation:

A pedigree is the diagram that shows how a trait is passed from one generation to the next. In pedigrees, males are usually squares and females are circles; a horizontal line connects spouses, and vertical lines link parents to their offspring across generations. Shading or other marks indicate who has the trait, making it easy to see inheritance patterns, such as whether a trait tends to appear in every generation or skip generations. This focus on inheritance across generations distinguishes it from a general family tree, which maps relationships without emphasizing how traits are transmitted. So the term that fits best is pedigree.

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