What does the term phenotype refer to?

The term phenotype specifically refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which can include physical attributes like coloration, size, shape, and behavior. It encompasses any feature that can be seen or measured, resulting from the interaction of an organism's genotype (its genetic makeup) with the environment.

For instance, in plants, the phenotype might include features like flower color, leaf shape, or height, all of which can be influenced by genetics as well as environmental factors such as soil quality, light, and water availability. By focusing on the observable aspects, phenotype provides a practical means of studying the results of genetic expression in living organisms.