In biology, a pedigree is a chart that shows the inheritance of a trait or health condition through generations of a family. It is a diagram that depicts the biological relationships between an organism and its ancestors. Pedigrees are used to analyze the pattern of inheritance of a particular trait throughout a family and show the presence or absence of a trait as it relates to the relationship among parents, offspring, and siblings. Pedigrees are used for different animals, such as humans, dogs, and horses, and are often used to look at the transmission of genetic disorders.

Pedigrees use a standard set of symbols to make them easier to understand. Males are represented by squares, while females are represented by circles. Parents are connected by horizontal lines, and vertical lines stemming from horizontal lines lead to the symbols for their offspring. The generations are also clearly marked with numbers, with I being the first generation, II being the children of the first generation, and III being the grandchildren, for example.

Pedigrees are useful in modeling the inheritance patterns of traits within families. By using symbols and analyzing phenotypes, we can infer genotypes and understand the role of autosomal dominant traits. Pedigrees can help determine how a trait or condition might be passed down through the generations and what might accompany it. Pedigrees are also important in animals that are selectively bred for certain characteristics.