Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Physical traits or characteristics are observable features of an organism, such as size, color, shape, etc., determined by genes and environmental influences.
The set of observable characteristics of an individual resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment. Like your outfit for a day - what others see when they look at you.
Heredity: The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another. Like inheriting your mom’s eyes or dad’s hair color.
A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene. It's like accidentally spilling bleach on your favorite shirt - the shirt (gene) is permanently changed.
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