As we start our study of genetics, it will be helpful to have data about your own inherited traits. All
survey data is optional, but will only be used by you in class to help you relate to the topics we will learn.
Many people have family members that are not related “by blood,” such as step-parents or adopted
brothers and sisters. You CAN include them in your survey, if you choose. We will sort it all out after
you have your data. Survey all the relatives that are willing, and then don’t forget to share what you
learn with them.
Each survey will look at a set of traits that follow simple “Mendelian” inheritance patterns. If you cannot
determine which form of the trait the person has, please don’t guess, just leave it blank. An explanation
of each trait is given below.
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Face Freckles: freckles on the nose, cheeks or forehead. These may have faded with age, or not
be visible yet in young infants.
Type of Earwax: WET earwax is usually sticky and yellow to honey brown in color, while DRY
earwax is flaky and gray or white in color.
Sun Sneezing: If you almost always sneeze uncontrollably when suddenly exposed to bright
lights, this is a genetic trait (ACHOO syndrome) and is also related to a sneezing reflex that can
occur if you have injections near your eyes.
Blood Type: This can be A, B, AB, or O. You don’t need to get it tested just for this project, but if
you already know, it can be interesting to trace through families.
Student Name: ____________________________
Put a check next to each trait that you have.
________ Face Freckles
________ No Face Freckles
________ WET Earwax
________ DRY Earwax
________ Sun Sneezer
________ Not a Sun Sneezer
____ Type A Blood
____ Type B Blood
____ Type AB Blood
____ Type O Blood
Name: ____________________________ Relationship to Student: ____________________________
Put a check next to each trait that you have.
________ Face Freckles
________ No Face Freckles
________ WET Earwax
________ DRY Earwax
________ Sun Sneezer
________ Not a Sun Sneezer
____ Type A Blood
____ Type B Blood
____ Type AB Blood
____ Type O Blood
Name: ____________________________ Relationship to Student: ____________________________
Put a check next to each trait that you have.
________ Face Freckles
________ No Face Freckles
________ WET Earwax
________ DRY Earwax
________ Sun Sneezer
________ Not a Sun Sneezer
____ Type A Blood
____ Type B Blood
____ Type AB Blood
____ Type O Blood
Name: ____________________________ Relationship to Student: ____________________________
Put a check next to each trait that you have.
________ Face Freckles
________ No Face Freckles
________ WET Earwax
________ DRY Earwax
________ Sun Sneezer
________ Not a Sun Sneezer
____ Type A Blood
____ Type B Blood
____ Type AB Blood
____ Type O Blood