How many chromosomes do humans typically have?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 2 Biology test with genetics modules. Study with interactive quizzes and insightful explanations to boost your exam readiness. Excel in your assessment with confidence and clarity!

Humans typically have 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. This chromosomal count is crucial for maintaining the genetic information that is necessary for growth, development, and functioning. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, allowing for genetic diversity through the combination of parental genes during reproduction. The number of chromosomes is a fundamental aspect of human biology and is key to understanding concepts such as inheritance, genetic disorders, and evolution.

The options of 23 and 30 reflect either only the number of chromosome pairs or an inaccurate count, while 48 is not characteristic of humans but can be seen in some other species. Thus, 46 is the correct number for humans, aligning with established scientific understanding of human genetics.

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