Final answer:
Half-siblings are considered first degree relatives as they share one biological parent and about 25% of their DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Half-siblings share one biological parent, either a mother or a father. In terms of kinship degrees, half-siblings are considered first degree relatives. This is because they share about 25% of their DNA due to having one common parent. They are one step further removed than full siblings who share both parents and are also first degree relatives, but with a higher percentage of shared DNA (about 50%). The distinction between full and half-siblings is important in kinship charts and diagrams, where family relationships are mapped out to understand kinship ties and lineage. Half-siblings, despite only sharing one parent, fall within the nuclear family in terms of kinship significance.