What Does Phenotype Mean in Biology?

Book A Demo Class

A phenotype is defined as an observable trait or characteristic of an organism that is the outcome of gene interaction and environmental factors. These traits include physical appearances. In general, the phenotype can be defined as the total sum of an organism’s observable characteristics.

An organism’s phenotype includes its behavioural, biochemical, and physiological properties. The phenotype is affected by environmental factors and lifestyle, and the environmental factors may include nutrition, humidity, temperature, and the organism’s mental health.

For instance, if we talk about flamingoes, they are white in colour but turns to pink colour because of the pigments they get from their diet. Therefore the flamingoes portray clearly how they are affected by environmental factors. Also, the phenotype of an organism constantly modifies depending on environmental factors.