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

The term "phenotype" refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which are expressed as a result of the interaction between its genetic makeup and the environment. This includes physical attributes such as height, eye color, and hair type, as well as behavioral traits and physiological features. The phenotype is essentially the manifestation of the genotype, which is the underlying genetic code.

Understanding the distinction between phenotype and genotype is crucial, as the genotype refers specifically to the genetic information that an organism inherits, while the phenotype is how that genetic information is ultimately expressed and observed. This expression can be influenced by various environmental factors, making the phenotype a blend of genetics and environment.

Other options in this question focus on different aspects of genetics, such as genetic makeup or only dominant traits, but they do not capture the full essence of what the phenotype is, which is concerned with the actual features and traits that can be seen or measured in an organism.