What is meant by the term "phenotype"?

The term "phenotype" refers to the physical expression of a trait within an organism. This can include observable characteristics such as height, color, shape, and behavior. The phenotype arises from the interaction between an organism's genotype (its genetic makeup) and its environment.

The concept of phenotype is crucial in genetics and biology because it allows scientists and researchers to understand how genetic information translates into actual traits that can be seen or measured. For example, if an individual has a genotype that codes for brown eyes, the phenotype would be the actual brown eye color that is expressed.

The other choices address different concepts related to genetics. The genetic makeup of an individual relates to genotype, while the potential for a trait to be expressed refers to the concept of genetic potential or predisposition rather than the expression itself. Environmental influences on traits are significant in determining the phenotype, but they are external factors rather than the phenotype definition itself. Thus, the correct understanding of "phenotype" specifically focuses on the observable traits arising from genetic and environmental interactions.