An inherited characteristic in a family is mapped in the pedigree shown - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2022 - Paper 1

To determine the inheritance pattern, we will analyze the pedigree carefully.

1. Observation of Affected Individuals: The pedigree shows affected males and females. We see that affected males can pass the trait to their sons and daughters, while affected females also pass to male and female children.

2. Autosomal vs. Sex-Linked: If the characteristic were sex-linked (particularly recessive), it would be more common in males. In this pedigree, affected females exist as well, indicating autosomal inheritance.

3. Dominance: Since both affected males and females reproduce affected offspring, this suggests the characteristic is likely dominant if at least one parent has the trait in all cases.

Thus, the correct answer is A. autosomal recessive since affected individuals could be from unaffected parents, as shown in the pedigree.