What is the term for a specific characteristic of an organism that can be determined by genes or the environment or by interaction between them?

The term you are looking for is phenotype.

A phenotype refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both its genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental influences. For example, a plant’s height, flower color, and leaf shape are all part of its phenotype. While genes provide the basic instructions for development, environmental factors—such as sunlight, soil quality, and water availability—can greatly influence these characteristics. In many cases, it is the interaction between the genotype and the environment that shapes the final phenotype that one observes.

More Related Questions