Final answer:
A phenocopy is an environmentally caused trait that appears to be inherited due to the influence of the environment, showing similarities to an inherited trait.
Step-by-step explanation:
An environmentally caused trait that appears to be inherited is called a phenocopy. Phenocopy occurs when an environmental factor mimics the effects of a specific gene, resulting in a phenotype that resembles an inherited trait. It is important to note that phenocopies are not actually inherited, but they can appear to be due to the influence of the environment.
For example, exposure to certain chemicals or drugs during pregnancy might lead to the development of birth defects that resemble genetic conditions, even though they are not caused by specific genes.
Phenocopies highlight the intricate interactions between genes and the environment in shaping an organism's characteristics.
Learn more about Phenocopy