Phenotype
For a non-technical introduction to the topic, see Introduction to genetics. For the rock type, see phenotype (igneous petrology). The shells of individuals within the bivalve mollusk species Donax variabilis show diverse coloration and patterning in their phenotypes. Here the relation between genotype and phenotype is illustrated, using a Punnett square, for the character of petal color in pea plants. The letters B and b represent genes for color, and the pictures show the resultant flowers. A phenotype (from Greek phainein , meaning 'to show', and typos , meaning 'type') is the composite of an organism's observable characteristics or traits, such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties, behavior, and products of behavior (such as a bird's nest). A phenotype results from the expression of an organism's genetic code, its genotype, as well as the influence of environmental factors and the interactions between the two. When...