Heritability

Definition

Heritability is the proportion of observed differences on a trait among individuals of a population that are due to genetic differences.

Related terms

Genotype:

This refers to an individual's collection of genes. The term also can refer to the two alleles inherited for a particular gene.

Phenotype:

This is an individual's observable traits, such as height, eye color, and blood type. The phenotype is determined by an individual's genotype and environmental influences.

Gene-environment interaction: This refers to situations where genetic makeup influence individuals' responses to their environment.