pedigree

[jessica]

what is a pedigree and how do you read them

[biostudent84]

A pedigree is the scientific word for a family tree. If you need help learning how to read it, you should be able to find a tutorial at http://www.geaneology.com

[Inuyasha]

I wonder... aren't pedigrees just for animals besides humans. I have never heard it used when talking about a human family tree.

[biostudent84]

No, they are identical. The difference in names is because humans feel uncomfortably referring to their reproduction as "breeding," and we rarely think of any other organism (pedigrees can be written for more than just animals) as belonging to a "family."

Kyle

[ERS]

the field of genetic counseling relies heavily upon pedigrees in order to advise families as to their chances of inheritance of certain disorders etc.

Fascinating field.

[biostudent84]

The Amish are known to have some of the most extensive pedigrees known.

Their culture keeps them from marrying outside the religion, so they do this to minimize the risk of inbreeding.

[Cyranian]

People of royal blood too, then? And also "big" families? In some cultures, parents want their offsprings to carry the name and "purity" of their tree.

[biostudent84]

Yes, Royal Houses ususally keep documented pedigrees...but none so extensive as the Amish. I was able to see one once...it covered an entire wall, hahaha

[Antje]

isn't that why there were so many birth defects in those families?

[biostudent84]

No, it's how they can keep there gene lines "pure" while limiting those defects as much as possible.

[moosyman123]

but how can they limit them? wouldn't reproducing within a family naturally cause defects?

[RobJim]

I'd imagine they'd avoid having people with hemophilia, or who are direct descendents of such people within a few generations, from marrying each other, etc.