What defines the phenotype of an organism?

The phenotype of an organism is defined by its physical appearance, which includes observable traits such as height, weight, color, shape, and behavior. The phenotype is the result of the interaction between the organism's genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental influences.

While the genotype provides the blueprint for potential traits, the phenotype is the manifestation of these traits as influenced by environmental conditions. For instance, two plants with the same genetic potential may exhibit different phenotypes depending on factors like light exposure, soil quality, and water availability. Therefore, when discussing what characterizes the phenotype, it is most accurately described as the set of observable characteristics that can be measured or assessed, which is the essence of physical appearance.

Understanding this relationship between genotype, phenotype, and environmental factors is crucial, as it illustrates how genetics and surroundings can collectively shape how an organism looks and behaves in its environment.