Final answer:
True, homologous chromosomes contain genes for the same traits but are inherited from different parents, and the alleles on these chromosomes may vary, allowing for genetic diversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homologous chromosomes do indeed contain genes for the same traits but are inherited from different parents, making statement 1) True. In our cells, we have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one chromosome of each pair coming from our mother and the other from our father. These homologous chromosomes have the same genes in the same order; however, the alleles—different versions of the same gene—may not be identical because of the genetic contributions from each parent.
For instance, with respect to the human blood type, the gene responsible for this trait can have three different sequences: A, B, or O. An individual can inherit AA, BB, or OO combinations, which are homozygous, or AB, AO, or BO combinations, which are heterozygous, resulting in variations of this trait.
During gamete production, these alleles segregate, meaning that each gamete carries only one allele for each gene, allowing for the fusion of maternal and paternal alleles in the offspring and contributing to genetic diversity.