Copyright ? 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. -1- Name_______________________ Period___________ Chapter 15: The Chromosomal Basis of Inheritance Concept 15.1 Mendelian inheritance has its physical basis in the behavior of chromosomes 1. What is the chromosome theory of inheritance? The chromosome theory of inheritance is a basic principle in biology stating that genes are located at specific positions (loci) on chromosomes and that the behavior of chromosomes during meiosis accounts for inheritance patterns. 2. Explain the law of segregation. Use two different colored pencils to illustrate the segregation of alleles. You may want to consult Figure 15.2 in your text, and model your sketches on this.