What is the term for genetic makeup that can be seen in an organism?

The term that refers to the observable characteristics of an organism is phenotype. This encompasses all the physical traits and characteristics that can be seen, such as height, coloration, and behavior, which arise from the interaction between an organism’s genetic makeup and the environment.

In understanding this concept, it is essential to differentiate it from other related terms. Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, which includes the specific alleles that the organism possesses. While genotype contributes to phenotype, it is not visible and cannot be directly measured without further analysis.

Allele represents different versions of a gene that can exist at a particular locus, influencing traits, but again, it is not synonymous with the observable characteristics themselves. Locus indicates the specific location of a gene on a chromosome and does not provide any information about the traits expressed. In summary, phenotype is the correct term when discussing the visible traits of an organism resulting from its genotype and environmental factors.