In the direct line, which pair illustrates a second-degree relationship?

In the direct line, which pair illustrates a second-degree relationship?

• A. Parent and child
• B. Grandparent and grandchild
• C. Great-grandparent and great-grandchild
• D. Siblings

Answer: (B)

In the direct line, the degree is counted by how many generations separate the two individuals in the line of descent. A grandparent and grandchild are two generations apart (grandparent → parent → grandchild), which corresponds to the second degree. The parent–child pair is only one generation apart (first degree). The great-grandparent and great-grandchild are three generations apart, so they’re third degree. Siblings aren’t in the direct line of descent at all; they’re in a collateral relationship. So the grandparent and grandchild pair best fits the second-degree relation.

In the direct line, the degree is counted by how many generations separate the two individuals in the line of descent. A grandparent and grandchild are two generations apart (grandparent → parent → grandchild), which corresponds to the second degree. The parent–child pair is only one generation apart (first degree). The great-grandparent and great-grandchild are three generations apart, so they’re third degree. Siblings aren’t in the direct line of descent at all; they’re in a collateral relationship. So the grandparent and grandchild pair best fits the second-degree relation.