Two chromosomes that look alike and have the same sequence of genes in the same positions are a(n) ______ pair.

Two chromosomes that look alike and have the same sequence of genes in the same positions are called homologous chromosomes.

Explanation

Homologous chromosomes come in pairs, one inherited from each parent, and they possess the same type of genes, although the alleles for those genes may differ. This means that while the structure and gene sequence are similar, the expressed traits can vary. For instance, in humans, each cell typically has 23 pairs of chromosomes, making a total of 46. Out of these, 22 pairs are autosomes, and one pair consists of sex chromosomes (XX or XY). Homologous chromosomes are crucial in processes like meiosis, where they undergo recombination, contributing to genetic diversity in offspring. When homologous chromosomes align during metaphase of meiosis, they facilitate genetic variability which is vital for evolution and the adaptability of species.