Phenotype

The phenotype refers to the observable physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism, which are the result of the interaction between its genetic makeup (genotype) and the environment. It includes traits such as eye color, height, and behavior.

Genotype and Phenotype

An organism's genotype is its genetic makeup, which is determined by the combination of alleles (different forms of a gene) it inherits from its parents. The phenotype, on the other hand, is the expression of those alleles in the organism's physical and behavioral traits.

Factors Affecting Phenotype

The phenotype of an organism is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors include the specific alleles present in the organism's DNA, while environmental factors can include nutrition, exposure to toxins, and other external influences.

Study Guide

1. Define phenotype and genotype.
2. Explain the relationship between genotype and phenotype.
3. Discuss the impact of genetic and environmental factors on phenotype.
4. Provide examples of phenotypic traits influenced by both genetics and the environment.
5. Compare and contrast two different organisms' phenotypes and explain how their genotypes may differ.