What kind of traits can be traced through a pedigree?

The correct choice emphasizes that a pedigree chart can track not just the presence of traits, but also their absence across generations. This feature allows geneticists and researchers to study a variety of traits, whether they are dominant, recessive, or even traits that may not express themselves in every generation.

Pedigrees provide a visual representation of how traits are passed down, showing which individuals display certain traits and which do not. This is particularly important for identifying patterns of inheritance and understanding how genes are transmitted in families. For instance, if a trait is absent in several generations but appears in others, it indicates that it may be recessive and can lay dormant until expressed.

While pedigrees can certainly illustrate dominant and recessive traits, the focus on just one type limits the breadth of information that can be gleaned from the chart. Moreover, the concept of tracing only inherited disorders neglects the possibility of examining various non-disorder traits, which can also be crucial in genetic studies. Therefore, the ability to document both the presence and absence of traits provides a comprehensive overview of inheritance patterns.