Final answer:
Plant characteristics are determined by genetics inherited from parents, environmental influences, and adaptations to soil position and quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of plants are influenced by several factors. These factors include traits that are inherited from parents, traits that are affected by the environment, and adaptations to soil position and quality. Inheritance of traits is governed by genetics - plants receive genetic material from their parents that determines many of their features. The environment plays a crucial role as well, impacting how a plant grows and develops. For example, the intensity of sunlight, water availability, and soil nutrients are environmental factors that can affect plant characteristics. Finally, soil position can influence the availability of resources and therefore affect how a plant grows.