How can environmental factors impact genetics?

Environmental factors play a significant role in influencing gene expression and phenotypic traits, which is why this option is the correct answer. The environment can affect how genes are expressed without altering the underlying DNA sequence itself.

For example, factors such as temperature, nutrition, light, and stress can cause genes to turn on or off. This process, known as gene regulation, can lead to variations in traits, such as an organism's size, coloration, or behavior, depending on the conditions it experiences. Such variations may provide advantages or disadvantages for survival and reproduction, further influencing the evolution of species.

By understanding this concept, it becomes clear how closely genetics and the environment interact, shaping the overall phenotype of an organism. This interplay is fundamental in fields like ecology, evolutionary biology, and genetics research.