What term refers to chromosome pairs that are approximately the same length and carry genes for the same characteristics at corresponding places, with one inherited from each parent?

• A. Chromosome
• B. Homologous chromosomes
• C. Chromatids
• D. Pedigree chart

Answer: (B)

Two chromosomes that are roughly the same length and carry genes for the same traits at corresponding positions, with one inherited from each parent, are homologous chromosomes. In a diploid organism, these form a homologous pair and typically have the same genes in the same order, though the alleles may differ between the two chromosomes. They pair up during meiosis I, allowing crossing over and recombination between homologs. A sister chromatid, by contrast, is an identical copy of a single chromosome after DNA replication, not a paired chromosome from each parent. A chromosome refers to a single DNA molecule, while a pedigree chart is simply a diagram of family relationships.