Which term describes the observable traits of an organism?

• A. Genotype
• B. Phenotype
• C. Domestication
• D. Taxonomy

Answer: (B)

Observable traits of an organism are called its phenotype. This is the outward expression you can see or measure—coat color, size, horn status, growth rate, and even certain behaviors—resulting from how the animal’s genes (genotype) interact with its environment. The genotype is the genetic makeup itself, which isn’t always visible, while phenotype is what is actually expressed and observed.

The other terms refer to different ideas: genotype means the genetic constitution the animal carries; domestication is the process of adapting animals for human use; taxonomy is the classification and naming of organisms. While important, they don’t describe the visible traits themselves.