By analyzing a pedigree, we can determine genotypes, identify phenotypes, and predict how a trait will be passed on in the future. The information from a pedigree makes it possible to determine how certain alleles are inherited: whether they are dominant, recessive, autosomal, or sex-linked. As the below autosomal recessive chart signifies, if the trait is recessive, neither parent must have the trait since they can be heterozygous. It should be noted here that in X-linked recessive traits, males are much more commonly affected than females. Both males and females are equally likely to be affected (usually in equal proportions).
