Evaluate the following pedigree, and answer the questions below. Which individual(s) in this family is/are inbred?
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
21. Population Genetics
Allelic Frequency Changes
Problem 36c
Textbook Question
Draw a separate hypothetical pedigree identifying the inbred individuals and the inbreeding pathways for each of the following inbreeding coefficients:
F=4(1/2)⁸

1
Step 1: Understand the concept of inbreeding coefficient (F). The inbreeding coefficient quantifies the probability that an individual has inherited two alleles that are identical by descent from a common ancestor. In this case, F = 4(1/2)⁸ represents the degree of inbreeding in the pedigree.
Step 2: Break down the formula F = 4(1/2)⁸. The term (1/2)⁸ indicates the probability of allele transmission through eight generations, and the factor of 4 accounts for the number of pathways through which alleles can be inherited from a common ancestor.
Step 3: Identify the inbreeding pathways. In a pedigree, inbreeding occurs when two individuals who are related mate, leading to offspring with alleles that are identical by descent. Trace the pathways through which alleles are transmitted from the common ancestor to the inbred individual over eight generations.
Step 4: Draw the pedigree. Start with the common ancestor at the top and trace the lineage through eight generations. Ensure that the mating pairs in the pedigree reflect the relationships necessary to produce inbred individuals. Highlight the inbred individuals and label the pathways contributing to the inbreeding coefficient.
Step 5: Verify the pedigree structure. Confirm that the number of generations and pathways matches the formula F = 4(1/2)⁸. Ensure that the inbred individuals are correctly identified and that the pedigree accurately represents the hypothetical scenario described.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Inbreeding Coefficient (F)
The inbreeding coefficient (F) quantifies the probability that two alleles at a locus are identical by descent. It ranges from 0 (no inbreeding) to 1 (complete inbreeding). In this context, F=4(1/2)⁸ indicates a specific level of inbreeding, which can be calculated to understand the genetic relationships among individuals in a pedigree.
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F Factor and Hfr
Pedigree Analysis
Pedigree analysis is a method used to trace the inheritance of traits through generations in a family tree format. It helps identify relationships between individuals, including inbred individuals, by illustrating how traits are passed down. Understanding how to construct and interpret pedigrees is essential for visualizing inbreeding pathways and calculating inbreeding coefficients.
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Inbreeding Pathways
Inbreeding pathways refer to the specific routes through which genetic material is shared among individuals in a pedigree. These pathways can reveal how closely related individuals are and how inbreeding occurs within a population. Identifying these pathways is crucial for understanding the implications of inbreeding on genetic diversity and potential health issues in offspring.
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