Heredity

Welcome to Heredity! In this event, teams will answer questions, solve problems, and analyze data pertaining to classic and molecular genetics.

The information below should not be interpreted as an extension of the rules. You can find free online copies of the current rules for download on the 2027 Rules page of the Science Olympiad website. The official rules in the current Rules Manual take precedence. 

Resources and Links

• Current Season Resources 
  • Coming soon!
• Previous Seasons Resources
  • Heredity Event Overview
  • Introduction and Learning Objectives
  • Practice Activities
  • Sample Tournament
  • How to Solve Genetics Problems
    • Part 1
    • Part 2
  • Hints on How to Solve Pedigree Problems
  • Practice Activities with Answers
  • The New Genetics Textbook
  • The Principles of Genetics Textbook
  • 2020 Internet Resources for Heredity - Verified Resource
  • Tips for Solving Genetics Problems
  • Practice Activities with Answers

Science Olympiad Store Materials

• Coming soon!

Practice Problems & Tests 

• Practice Test - 2026 BullSO Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 Berkeley Invitational
• Practice Test - 2026 Pembroke Hill Invitational
• Sample Heredity Tournament
• 2020 Heredity Sample Test
  • Exam
  • Answer Key 

Event Supervisor Resources 

In addition to the resources on the Event Supervisors page, Heredity Event Supervisors should be sure to use the following resources:

• Event Logistics Resource - Coming soon
• Heredity ES Guide '26 Season 

Career Connections 

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Outlook: Genetic Counselors 
• American Society of Human Genetics 
• Career One Stop- Genetic Counselors 
• Genetics Career Guide- MTS