What term describes the observable characteristics of an organism influenced by its genotype?

The observable characteristics of an organism that are influenced by its genotype are referred to as its phenotype. The phenotype encompasses the physical appearance, behavior, and physiological properties of an organism, which result from the expression of its genetic makeup (genotype) and can also be affected by environmental factors. For instance, the color of a flower or the height of a plant are phenotypic traits that arise from a combination of genetic information and possibly external conditions.

Genotype, on the other hand, refers specifically to the genetic constitution of an organism—the actual alleles present. Alleles are different forms of a gene that may produce distinct traits in an organism. A trait is a specific characteristic that can be observed, such as eye color or leaf shape, but it is ultimately the expression of these traits that falls under the umbrella of phenotype. Recognizing this distinction is critical in understanding how genetics works in influencing observed characteristics.