Final answer:
The short arm is abbreviated p (for "petite"), whereas the long arm is abbreviated q (because it follows "p" alphabetically). Each arm is further subdivided and denoted by a number.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a given species, chromosomes can be identified by their number, size, centromere position, and banding pattern. The chromosome "arms" projecting from either end of the centromere may be designated as short or long, depending on their relative lengths.
The short arm is abbreviated p (for "petite"), whereas the long arm is abbreviated q (because it follows "p" alphabetically). Each arm is further subdivided and denoted by a number. Using this naming system, locations on chromosomes can be described consistently in the scientific literature.