Fun Family Tree Pedigree Project Example to Use in Biology

March 16, 2022

Have you searched for family tree pedigree project example and come up with nothing? Have you been looking for a way to connect real-life examples of pedigrees to your students? Then, keep reading because I have a family pedigree tree project that will do just that. Students will gain so much more out of creating a pedigree-based on their own families. I am sharing a great pedigree project that is simple, straight to the point, and effective.

Want the FREE download of this family tree pedigree project example project? Simply fill in the form below to have it sent straight to your inbox!

Family Pedigree Project Example Background

All the conclusions regarding gene action (dominant/recessive, codominant, incomplete dominance, etc.) we have discussed so far have been obtained from analyzing the results of controlled crosses. Instead, we must analyze an existing population. This is always the case when studying Human Genetics. Scientists have devised another approach, called pedigree analysis, to study the inheritance of genes in humans and trace a trait throughout generations.

Family Pedigree Project Example Objective

Students will be given the task to conduct research and trace a trait throughout at least three generations of a family. **You may trace a trait throughout your own family, a famous family (English royal family, Kardashians, Duck Dynasty, etc.), or throughout a fictional family (Simpsons, Sponge Bob, etc.)**

Family Pedigree Project Example Requirements

Students will select and research a trait controlled by a SINGLE GENE.

»Choose one of the following: Widow’s Peak, Dimples, Freckles, Hitchhiker’s Thumb, Free/Attached Earlobes, Tongue Rolling, Crossing of Thumbs, or Hairy Knuckles.

»Google if the presence of your chosen trait is dominant or recessive.

»Do NOT choose traits like eye color, skin color, or hair color. These are polygenic traits and not simply dominant or recessive.

Students will collect data and record the results of AT LEAST 3 generations.

»Must have data for at least 10 individuals

»If researching your own family, you should be a member of one of the generations.

»Must write the names of each individual.

Students will need to make a key.

»State whether the trait is dominant or recessive.

»State the phenotype for each genotype.

»Example: WW = Widow’s Peak, Ww = Widow’s Peak, ww = No Widow’s Peak

Write the genotypes over every individual in the pedigree.

»Represent unknown genotypes with a question mark (?)

»Not sure how to show a relationship? Google “pedigree key” and you will get the answer for any situation (death, adoption, divorce, twins, etc.)

Make sure your paper is nice & neat. It may be handwritten or typed.

Should be done on printer paper or poster, not notebook paper.

I love sharing helpful content with y’all and would love to connect on IG or Facebook. I’m on TikTok too! Follow me and send me a DM with what you need more of because I’m here to help! If you are looking for even more inspiration, find me on Pinterest!