Created by Eric Hsu
13 questions
9th Grade
Science
Updated Dec 2025
Chromosomes: Autosomal vs Sex Linked is a Grade 9 science worksheet that builds foundational genetics vocabulary and chromosome-classification skills. Students identify a chromosome and a karyotype, determine the total number of chromosomes in human body cells, explain that each parent contributes 23 chromosomes, and distinguish 23 chromosome pairs from 46 individual chromosomes. The worksheet includes 13 questions: 12 multiple-choice items and one multiple-select question. Students then apply these ideas to recognize that egg cells contain 23 chromosomes, identify the 23rd pair as sex chromosomes, distinguish XX from XY, and classify chromosome pairs 1–22 as autosomes. The final select-all-that-apply item reinforces that autosomes are pairs 1–22 and every chromosome except the sex chromosomes. This free printable worksheet includes a complete answer key, making it useful for introducing, reinforcing, or checking understanding of autosomal versus sex-chromosome concepts.
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WorksheetsAnswer KeyChromosome
46
23
46
23
Karyotype
Egg cell
sex chromosomes
XX
XY
Pairs #1-22
, d)Every chromosome except sex chromosomes
This Grade 9 science worksheet uses 12 multiple-choice questions and one multiple-select question to teach chromosome vocabulary, human chromosome counts, karyotypes, and the difference between autosomes and sex chromosomes. Students connect 46 total chromosomes with 23 pairs, identify XX and XY sex-chromosome patterns, and recognize that pairs 1–22 are autosomes.
Begin with the chromosome image and the 46-versus-23 questions to establish the difference between individual chromosomes and chromosome pairs. Then use the karyotype and egg-cell items to discuss chromosome number before introducing the 23rd pair, XX/XY patterns, and autosomes. Ask students to explain why pairs 1–22 are classified as autosomes and why the 23rd pair is classified separately.
Students may confuse a chromosome with a karyotype, or choose 23 when a question asks for the total number of chromosomes in a human body cell rather than the number contributed by each parent. They may also mix up chromosome pairs 1–22 with pair 23, or reverse the XX and XY patterns. In the final multiple-select item, check that students select both “Pairs #1–22” and “Every chromosome except sex chromosomes,” rather than selecting only one description.
The worksheet is available on Wayground as a printable PDF and as a digital quiz, and it includes a complete answer key. Grade digital responses through the quiz, or grade printable submissions by scanning student work with the Wayground for Teachers app. The printable format also supports classrooms that are reducing screen time.
Use the worksheet’s Advanced Settings to adjust font spacing or increase the font size so the chromosome-count and classification choices are easier to read. You can also enable a dyslexia-friendly font or translate the multiple-choice and multiple-select questions into another language. These options apply to the worksheet file itself and preserve its focus on chromosomes, karyotypes, autosomes, and sex chromosomes.
Wayground offers a comprehensive collection of free printable worksheets and practice problems across subjects, with downloadable PDFs and answer keys to help students master essential skills and concepts. Browse more resources at https://wayground.com/en-us/worksheets.
