Question 10 (1 point) What is the main purpose of a pedigree? to show the number of children in a family to show the pattern of inheritance for a trait within a family to predict the phenotypic ratios for a trait within a family to show the genotypes for a trait within a family

The main purpose of a pedigree is **to show the pattern of inheritance for a trait within a family**. <br /><br />Here's why:<br /><br />* **Pedigrees track traits:** Pedigrees use symbols to represent individuals and their relationships, showing how a specific trait is passed down through generations.<br />* **Inheritance patterns:** By analyzing the pedigree, you can determine if a trait is dominant, recessive, sex-linked, or autosomal.<br />* **Predicting inheritance:** While not always definitive, pedigrees can help predict the likelihood of a trait appearing in future generations.<br /><br />Let's look at why the other options are incorrect:<br /><br />* **Number of children:** Pedigrees show family relationships, but the primary focus is on the inheritance of traits, not just the number of children.<br />* **Phenotypic ratios:** While pedigrees can help infer phenotypic ratios, their main purpose is to illustrate inheritance patterns.<br />* **Genotypes:** Pedigrees primarily show phenotypes (observable traits), not genotypes (the underlying genetic makeup). While you can sometimes infer genotypes, it's not the primary goal. <br />