Florida Biology EOC Practice Test 2025 - Free Biology End-of-Course Practice Questions and Study Guide

The phenotype of an organism is determined by the interaction of its genotype with the environment. The genotype refers to the genetic makeup of the organism, including the alleles present, while the environment encompasses all external factors that can influence expression of those genes, such as temperature, nutrition, and exposure to certain chemicals or conditions.

For example, a plant might have the genetic potential to grow tall (genotype), but if it is grown in poor soil (environment), it may not reach that height. Conversely, two plants with identical genotypes may look different if they are grown in different environments, illustrating how environmental factors can affect the expression of genes.

This concept highlights the importance of both genetic and environmental influences in shaping observable traits, or phenotypes, in organisms. Understanding this interaction is key to the field of genetics and developmental biology. It also underscores that phenotype cannot be attributed solely to genetics or environmental factors independently; rather, it is the result of a dynamic interplay between the two.