What is meant by a phenotype?

A phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, which include traits such as physical appearance, behavior, and physiological properties. These traits result from the interaction of an organism's genotype (its genetic makeup) and the environment it inhabits. For example, a plant's height, flower color, and leaf shape are all phenotypic attributes.

The emphasis on observable characteristics highlights that phenotype is what can be seen and measured directly, rather than the underlying genetic information. This distinction is significant in the study of biology, as understanding phenotypes helps scientists assess how genetic variations can influence traits and how those traits can be affected by environmental factors.