familytree

A family tree is a diagram that depicts how individuals are related across generations. It typically centers on a person or a lineage and traces ancestors, descendants, or both. The diagram uses generations arranged in levels, with edges connecting parents to their children and, in many cases, spouses and adoptive relationships. Common formats include pedigree charts that display ancestors and descendant charts that show all known descendants.

Nodes represent individuals; lines indicate parent-child relationships, marriage, or adoption. Names are often accompanied by vital data such as birth, marriage, and death dates, places, and notes about sources or alternate spellings.

Construction relies on multiple data sources, including civil registration records, church registers, census enumerations, wills, land records, and biographies. Oral history and DNA testing can supplement documentary evidence, though they may introduce uncertainties. Privacy considerations typically limit access to information about living individuals.

Digital tools have transformed family-tree research. Users can create charts with software or online platforms, store data in standardized formats such as GEDCOM, and generate printable diagrams or web-based genealogies. Limitations include incomplete records, name changes, and potential misattribution. Caution is advised when interpreting relationships, especially with distant ancestors.

Related concepts include pedigree charts (ancestor charts), descendant charts, and genealogical DNA analysis. Family trees are used in education, cultural heritage, medical history, and legal contexts such as inheritances or inheritance disputes.