An organism’s genotype is its genetic makeup, while the phenotype is the physical expression of the genotype. In genetics, the genotype and phenotype are two ways of describing an organism’s traits.
Phenotype is a term used in genetics to refer to all the observable traits in organisms as a result of the interaction of the genotype with the environment. Genotype is a term used in genetics used to refer to the genetic composition of an individual consisting of heritable genes.
Therefore, understanding the theory of evolution via natural selection requires understanding the genotype–phenotype distinction. The genes contribute to a trait, and the phenotype is the observable manifestation of the genes (and therefore the genotype that affects the trait).
While the genotype is inherited, the phenotype results from the interaction between genetics and the environment. The genotype, or genetic code, provides the fundamental instructions that guide the development of an organism’s observable traits, its phenotype.
While an organism’s genotype is directly inherited from its parents, phenotype is merely influenced by genotype. Environmental factors can also affect phenotype.
The phenotype represents the expression of the genetic blueprint. While the genotype is the inherited set of instructions, the phenotype is the outcome of those instructions being put into action. It is important to recognize that the phenotype is not solely a direct product of genes.
What's the difference between Genotype and Phenotype? The genotype of an organism is the genetic code in its cells. This genetic constitution of an individual influences – but is not solely responsible for – many of its traits. The phenotype is the visible or expressed trait, such as hair color. T...