Florida Biology EOC Practice Test 2026 - Free Biology End-of-Course Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is the genetic makeup, which refers to the specific alleles and genes that an organism possesses. Genotypes can determine various traits and characteristics through the expression of these genetic factors. This includes inherited genetic information from both parents, which can influence everything from physical appearances to certain behaviors and metabolic processes.

Understanding the genotype is crucial for studying heredity and predicting how traits might be passed on to future generations. It provides the foundational basis for concepts such as dominant and recessive traits, as well as the principles of inheritance laid out by Mendel. In the context of genetics, the genotype is distinct from the phenotype, which is the physical expression or characteristics visible in the organism. This distinction helps clarify how genetic information translates into observable traits, making it a fundamental concept in both genetics and biology as a whole.