Pedigree chart Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pedigree chart
[หpษdษชหษกri หtสษrt ]
Definition
genealogy
A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the genetic relationships between individuals in a family. It is commonly used in genealogy to track family history and inheritance patterns.
Synonyms
family tree, genealogical chart.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pedigree chart |
Used primarily in the context of breeding animals, especially when showing the lineage and heritage of purebred animals. It demonstrates the genetic lines and ancestors of an animal.
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| family tree |
Commonly used in everyday conversation to depict the ancestry and relationships within a human family, often spanning multiple generations.
|
| genealogical chart |
Used more formally or academically to describe a visual representation of someone's ancestry, detailing familial relationships over generations, often used in professional genealogical research.
|
Examples of usage
- A detailed pedigree chart can help identify inherited traits and genetic disorders within a family.
- The pedigree chart traced back several generations to show the lineage of the royal family.
- Genetic counselors often use pedigree charts to assess the risk of inherited diseases in a family.
- Researchers use pedigree charts to study the inheritance of specific traits across generations.
- Creating a pedigree chart requires accurate information about each individual's relationships and health history.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In genetics, pedigree charts are essential for tracking hereditary conditions and determining the probability of genetic disorders in future generations.
- They can visually represent how traits are passed down through families, which is particularly useful in fields like medicine and animal breeding.
History
- Pedigree charts have been used since ancient times to trace royal lineage and inheritance rights, often influencing political power and alliances.
- In the late medieval period, aristocrats and nobility meticulously recorded their family trees to strengthen claims to titles and lands.
Popular Culture
- Reality shows and documentaries often highlight family ancestry, where pedigree charts are used to trace roots back to famous figures or historical events.
- The popularity of genealogy research has surged, with many people using DNA testing to build their family pedigree charts.
Education
- In classrooms, pedigree charts are a valuable tool for teaching students about genetics and family relationships, making complex concepts easier to understand.
- Teachers often use them to engage students in science projects or history lessons focused on lineage and heritage.
Origin of 'pedigree chart'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'pedigree' comes from the Old French word 'pied de grue', which means 'crane's foot', referencing how the lines in a family tree look like a crane's foot.
- Originally, the word was used to describe lines of descent in animals, particularly horses, and has evolved to include humans.
The term 'pedigree' originated from the Middle English word 'pedigree', which in turn came from the Old French 'pรฉ de grue', meaning crane's foot. The association with a crane's foot likely comes from the branching lines in a pedigree chart resembling the shape of a crane's foot. Pedigree charts have been used for centuries to document family lineage and inheritance. They play a crucial role in genetics, genealogy, and medical research.