Hapsburg family tree:
inheritance of the "Hapsburg Lip"
Mandibular prognathism is
the name of a heritable genetic conditions where growth of the
maxilla (upper jaw) is retarded with respect to the
the mandible (lower jaw), which results in a
projecting chin, rolled-out lower lip, and a crossbite of the
incisors. The phenomenon
is known as the 'Hapsburg Lip' because of its
occurrence in multiple generations of members of the European
royal House of Hapsburg, as documented in their portraits over
200 years [above]. The trait is inherited as a single-gene
autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance (~
0.90), and shows up frequently because of extensive
intermarriage between different branches of the family.
extensive inbreeding.
Queen Isabella I and King Ferdinand II of Castile &
Aragon, Columbus' patrons on his voyages to America, are early
case. Kings Charles II and Philip IV of Spain, and Leopold of
Austria, have particularly prominent cases. It may be assumed
that portrait artists 'improved' the appearance of their
subjects in some cases.
HOMEWORK: Redraw the
portrait gallery above as a pedigree. Show that inheritance is
consistent with an autosomal recessive. (Note that only
affected persons are shown: this causes an ascertainment
bias).