Human Phenotypes
Human phenotypes refer to the observable physical and physiological traits of individuals, which result from the interaction of their genetic makeup and environmental influences. These traits can include characteristics such as height, eye color, skin tone, and even behavioral tendencies. The study of human phenotypes helps scientists understand how genes contribute to various traits and how these traits can vary among different populations.
Phenotypes are often categorized into two main types: continuous and discrete. Continuous phenotypes, like height and weight, show a range of variations, while discrete phenotypes, such as blood type or dimples, fall into distinct categories. Understanding human phenotypes is essential for fields like genetics, medicine, and anthropology, as it provides insights into human diversity and health.