What is the term for the observable traits of an organism?

• A. Genotype
• B. Phenotype
• C. Allele
• D. Diploid

Answer: (B)

The term for the observable traits of an organism is phenotype. Phenotype refers to the physical expression of genetic information that is influenced by both the organism's genotype (the genetic makeup) and environmental factors. For example, if a plant has a genotype that allows for tall growth, the actual height of the plant that can be measured is its phenotype. This encompasses observable characteristics like height, color, and shape, as determined by the underlying genetic information and environmental interactions. Understanding phenotype is crucial in fields such as genetics and evolutionary biology, as it connects the genetic composition of an organism with its observable attributes.