Chromosome pairs of approximately the same length, centromere position, and staining pattern, with genes for the same characteristics at corresponding places (one homologous chromosome is inherited from the mother; the other from the father) are called ______.

• A. Genetic variation
• B. Chromosome
• C. Genotype
• D. Homologous chromosomes

Answer: (D)

Homologous chromosomes are chromosome pairs that are similar in size, centromere position, and staining pattern, and they carry the same genes at the same locations on the chromosome. Each pair includes one chromosome inherited from the mother and one from the father. They may have different versions of those genes (alleles), which is a source of genetic variation. This pairing is essential during meiosis, when homologous chromosomes line up and can exchange genetic material, helping to generate diversity in offspring. A single chromosome by itself isn’t a paired set, so that wouldn’t describe the situation. Genotype refers to the specific alleles present at particular genes, not the physical pairing of chromosomes, and genetic variation is a broader idea about differences among individuals rather than the specific structure of chromosome pairs.