How are genotypes and phenotypes related?
Genotypes and phenotypes are related because the genotype of an organism refers to the genetic information it carries, while the phenotype refers to the physical characteristics or traits that are expressed as a result of the interaction between the genotype and the environment.
Genotypes are determined by the specific alleles or variations of genes an organism inherits from its parents. These alleles can be dominant or recessive and can interact with each other to determine the genotype of an individual. The genotype represents the genetic potential of an organism, as it contains all the genetic information that can be passed on to future generations.
Phenotypes, on the other hand, result from the expression of the genotype in a specific environment. The phenotype is the observable physical manifestation of an organism's genotype, including traits such as hair color, eye color, height, and various physiological characteristics. Environmental factors, such as nutrition, sunlight exposure, and temperature, can also influence the expression of certain traits.
In summary, the genotype provides the genetic instructions, while the phenotype represents the observable traits resulting from the interaction between the genotype and the environment.