Pedigree diagrams are helpful tools for tracking genetic disorders in families over time. They show relationships between family members and help us spot patterns in how certain traits or disorders are passed down.

Here’s how the symbols work:

• Squares represent males.
• Circles represent females.
• Shaded shapes show people affected by a genetic disorder.

Important Uses of Pedigree Diagrams:

1. Spotting Inheritance Patterns:
   When you study a pedigree, you can find out if a disorder is passed down in one of a few ways. For example, if a disorder shows up in every generation, it may be autosomal dominant.

2. Understanding Risks:
   Genetic counselors analyze pedigrees to figure out the chances that a child will inherit a genetic condition. If both parents have a recessive allele (a gene for a disorder), they can calculate the likelihood of their child having that disorder, sometimes using what’s called a Punnett square.

3. Family Health History:
   Knowing a family's health background can reveal potential health issues. This knowledge can help families take steps to stay healthy.

In summary, pedigree diagrams give important information that helps families make smart choices about genetic disorders.