Class 12 · Principles of Inheritance and Variation

Pedigree Analysis Symbols — NEET Biology

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In human genetics, pedigree study provides a strong tool, which is utilised to trace the inheritance of a specific trait, abnormality or disease. Some of the important standard symbols used in the pedigree analysis have

🖼️Related NCERT figure: A legend showing symbols used in human pedigree analysis including squares for males, circles for females, diamonds for sex unspecified, filled shapes for affected individuals, and various connecting lines showing mating and family relationships (Figure 4.13 Symbols used in the human pedigree analysis)
NCERT Biology · Class 12 · Chapter 4 · Paragraph 79
How NTA Uses This Concept

Pedigree analysis is a key tool in human genetics to trace inheritance patterns of traits, diseases, and abnormalities across generations. NTA tests students' understanding of standard pedigree symbols: squares for males, circles for females, filled shapes for affected individuals, and half-filled for carriers. The main trap is confusing carrier symbols (heterozygous individuals) with affected individuals, or misidentifying consanguineous marriages (shown by double lines). To ace this, memorize that horizontal lines connect couples, vertical lines show parent-child relationships, and the specific fill pattern indicates disease status. Practice reading multi-generational pedigrees carefully to trace autosomal and X-linked inheritance patterns correctly.

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QuestionNEET 2025

Which of the following pedigree symbols represents a mating between relatives (consanguineous marriage)? (NEET 2025)

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