Examine the following pedigree - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 21 - 2008 - Paper 1

To identify the mode of inheritance represented in the pedigree, we observe the distribution of the shaded individuals (those affected by the genetic disease). Given that both males and females are affected in various generations, it suggests a non-gender-specific inheritance.

1. Autosomal Recessive: Typically shows skips in generations and affects siblings more than parents. This may not match if affected individuals do not have affected parents.
2. Autosomal Dominant: Generally does not skip generations. If one parent is affected, there is a 50% chance for each child to be affected. This doesn't quite apply as per the information given.
3. X-linked Recessive: More commonly affects males, as females would require two copies of the recessive allele to be affected, usually seen with a pattern of affected males without affected mothers.
4. X-linked Dominant: Affected males can only pass the trait to daughters; thus, affected males would not show a predominance in many affected offspring if wives are unaffected.

After examining the pedigree, given the likely presence of unaffected parents producing affected offspring, this indicates that the mode of inheritance is most likely X-linked recessive.