Traits
Definition
Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics that are inherited, such as eye color, leaf shape, or tail length.
Analogy
Traits are like ingredients in a recipe. Just as each ingredient contributes to the final dish's taste and appearance, each trait contributes to an organism's overall physical appearance and behavior.
Related terms
Phenotype: The set of observable characteristics or traits of an organism resulting from the interaction of its genotype with the environment.
Genotype: The genetic makeup of an organism; it directly influences what traits will be expressed.
Allele: One version of a gene at a particular location on a chromosome. Different alleles produce variation in inherited characteristics such as hair color or blood type.
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