What term is used for a chart that traces the inheritance of a specific trait across generations of a family?

A pedigree chart is a specific type of diagram used to illustrate the inheritance patterns of particular traits within a family over multiple generations. It is a valuable tool in genetics because it visually represents how traits are passed down from parents to offspring, making it easier to trace the history of genetic conditions or characteristics. Each symbol on a pedigree chart represents an individual, while lines connecting them indicate family relationships and the pattern of inheritance can highlight affected and unaffected individuals.

This chart is useful for genetic counseling as it helps in understanding the likelihood of traits or genetic disorders being passed to future generations. Other terms listed, such as genealogical charts and family trees, may also depict family relationships but do not specifically focus on traits or genetic information, while a genetic map is an entirely different concept that involves the layout of genes on chromosomes rather than their inheritance patterns.