This activity introduces students to how pedigrees are used by scientists who study human disease.

Students begin by reading information about the symbols used in pedigrees and how to read pedigrees. They then examine three different pedigrees of families with individuals who have spinocerebellar ataxia, colon cancer, and familial adenomatous polyposis. For each pedigree, students answer questions about the inheritance pattern and consider how family members might use this information.