Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

phenotype

Noun

/ˈfiːnəʊtaɪp/

Definition

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.

Examples

The phenotype of a plant can change depending on the amount of sunlight it receives.
Some animals have phenotypes that help them camouflage in their environment.

Meaning

Phenotype refers to the set of traits that a living organism displays, which can include things like height, eye color, and behavior. It is the expression of the genetic code in a specific environment.