What does the term "phenotype" refer to in genetics?

The term "phenotype" refers specifically to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which can include its physical appearance, behavior, and biochemical properties. This encompasses a variety of attributes, such as height, eye color, and other visible traits that result from the interaction of an organism's genotype (its genetic makeup) with the environment.

Understanding phenotype is crucial in genetics because it provides insight into how genes are expressed and can be influenced by external factors, while distinguishing it from the underlying genetic information that influences these traits. This concept is fundamental in fields such as biology, agriculture, and medicine, where understanding the phenotypic expression of traits can aid in everything from breeding programs to the study of diseases.