Question

An individual's phenotype is:

Select one:


a. Its observable properties

b. The action of single and/or multiple genes

c. Usually influenced by environment

d. All of the above are correct

e. None of the above are correct

Answer 1

a

Phenotype refers to an individual's observable traits, such as height, eye color and blood type. A person's phenotype is determined by both their genomic makeup (genotype) and environmental factors.

Answer 2

The correct answer is d. An individual's phenotype encompasses its observable traits, is shaped by genetic factors, and is influenced by the environment. Factors such as sunlight and food can impact the expression of genes, which in turn affects the phenotype. Thus, all of the provided statements correctly describe aspects of an individual's phenotype.

Step-by-step explanation:

An individual's phenotype is its observable properties, the action of single and/or multiple genes, and usually influenced by the environment. The phenotype includes all the observable traits, such as hair color, skin color, height, and build, which are the result of gene expression and environmental influences. For instance, Mendel's experiments with pea plants revealed that while some traits were predictable based on inherited genes, the actual expression (phenotype) of these traits could differ.

Environmental factors, like sunlight and food availability, can significantly influence an organism's phenotype. This is because although the genotype provides the biological foundation, it is the interaction with the environment that brings about the observable traits. Hence, two organisms with the same genotype can exhibit different phenotypes due to variations in environmental conditions they are exposed to.