How many identical alleles are present in a homozygous individual?

In a homozygous individual, there are two identical alleles for a particular gene. This means that the individual has inherited the same version of the gene from both parents, which can determine specific traits or characteristics in the organism.

For example, if the gene in question controls flower color and the homozygous individual has two alleles for red flowers (RR), they will express that flower color. In stark contrast, a heterozygous individual, which has two different alleles (like Rr), would express a different trait or a blending of traits.

While some other concepts in genetics involve different numbers of alleles or factors, such as in polygenic inheritance or multiple alleles, the defining feature of homozygosity is the presence of two identical alleles for a single trait. Therefore, the presence of two identical alleles is a key characteristic of homozygous individuals, making this the correct answer.