Phenotypic

Phenotypic refers to the observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences. The term is derived from the Greek words "phainein" (to show) and "typos" (type). Phenotypic traits include traits such as height, color, weight, eye color, hair color and shape, and numerous other observable characteristics.

Definition

The phenotype of an organism is the composite of the organism's observable characteristics or traits. These include the organism's morphology or physical form and structure, its developmental processes, its biochemical and physiological properties, its behavior, and the products of behavior. An organism's phenotype results from two basic factors: the expression of an organism's genetic code, or its genotype, and the influence of environmental factors. Both factors may interact, further affecting phenotype. When two or more clearly different phenotypes exist in the same population of a species, it is called polymorphism.

Phenotypic variation

Phenotypic variation (due to underlying heritable genetic variation) is a fundamental prerequisite for evolution by natural selection. It is the living organism as a whole that contributes (or not) to the next generation, so natural selection affects the genetic structure of a population indirectly via the contribution of phenotypes. Without phenotypic variation, there would be no evolution by natural selection.

Phenotypic plasticity

Phenotypic plasticity refers to the ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment. Such plasticity in some cases could involve changes at the cellular or even molecular level, such as alterations in gene expression.

See also

• Genotype
• Genetic variation
• Natural selection
• Polymorphism (biology)
• Phenotypic plasticity

References

Phenotypic Resources
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