How are genes typically found on chromosomes?

Genes are typically found on chromosomes in pairs. This pairing is a key characteristic of diploid organisms, including humans, where chromosomes exist in homologous pairs, meaning there are two copies of each chromosome—one inherited from each parent. Each pair contains alleles of a gene, which are variations that may affect the traits expressed.

The presence of genes in pairs enables genetic diversity and the ability to have dominant and recessive traits, as well as the potential for recombination during meiosis, which contributes to genetic variation in offspring. This paired structure is fundamental to understanding inheritance patterns and the expression of traits in animals.