What does phenotype refer to in genetics?

Phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, which include traits such as height, color, shape, and behavioral tendencies. These traits result from the interaction between an organism's genetic makeup (genotype) and its environment. Phenotypes can be influenced by various factors, including nutrition, climate, and experiences, which can affect how the underlying genetic information is expressed.

Understanding phenotype is essential in genetics as it provides insight into how genetic information manifests in living organisms. For example, two organisms may have the same genotype but display different phenotypes due to environmental factors, highlighting the distinction between genetic information and physical expression.