What term refers to the observable characteristics of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment?

Study for the Keystone Biology Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Enhance your readiness for the exam!

The term that refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, which result from the interaction between its genotype and the environment, is phenotype. This encompasses all the physical traits and behaviors that can be seen or measured, such as height, eye color, and even certain behaviors.

Genotype, on the other hand, refers specifically to the genetic makeup of an organism—the actual alleles or genes present. While alleles are the different forms of a gene that can exist, a haplotype is a group of genes inherited together from a single parent that can influence specific traits. However, it is the phenotype that describes how those genes manifest in observable traits influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental factors. This is crucial for understanding how traits are expressed and can vary among individuals, even those with the same genotype.

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