A diagram that represents heritable characters in parents and offspring is known as what?

A diagram that illustrates heritable characters in parents and offspring is identified as a pedigree. Pedigrees are used in genetics to trace the inheritance of traits through generations, showcasing how certain traits or diseases are passed down within a family lineage. This visual representation helps identify patterns and probabilities of inheritable traits, which is valuable for understanding genetic conditions and potential risks in offspring.

Family trees typically illustrate relationships and lineage but do not specifically focus on the transmission of particular traits or characteristics. A case study refers to a detailed analysis of a specific individual's case, often used in medical or clinical settings, and does not serve the purpose of depicting heritable traits. A pathogen, on the other hand, is an organism that causes disease, which is unrelated to the concept of heritable traits among family members. Thus, the most accurate term for the diagram representing heritable characters is a pedigree.