By pedigree analysis one cannot easily understand whether the trait in question is

Options

A. Dominant
B. Recessive
C. Sex linked
D. Mutation

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Pedigree Analysis**:
- Pedigree analysis is a tool used to study the inheritance patterns of traits within a family tree. It helps in visualizing how traits are passed down from one generation to the next.

2. **Identifying the Purpose of Pedigree Analysis**:
- The primary goal of pedigree analysis is to determine whether a trait is dominant or recessive, and whether it is sex-linked or autosomal.

3. **Dominant vs. Recessive Traits**:
- In pedigree charts, if a trait is dominant, it will appear in every generation. If both parents do not have the trait but their child does, the trait is likely recessive.

4. **Sex-linked vs. Autosomal Traits**:
- Traits linked to sex chromosomes (like X-linked traits) show different inheritance patterns compared to autosomal traits. For example, a father cannot pass an X-linked trait to his son, as sons inherit the Y chromosome from their father.

5. **Limitations of Pedigree Analysis**:
- While pedigree analysis can reveal whether a trait is dominant, recessive, sex-linked, or autosomal, it cannot provide information about the underlying causes of the trait.
- Specifically, it does not indicate whether a trait is due to a mutation or the nature of that mutation.

6. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, from pedigree analysis, we cannot easily understand the reason behind the trait, such as whether it is due to a mutation or what specific changes occurred in the DNA.

**Final Answer**: By pedigree analysis, one cannot easily understand whether the trait in question is due to a mutation.

---