A phenotype refers to the observable physical and biochemical characteristics of an organism, which result from the interaction of its genetic makeup, or genotype, with the environment. These traits can include features such as height, eye color, and leaf shape in plants. Phenotypes can vary widely even among individuals with the same genotype due to environmental influences. Phenotypes are important in fields like genetics, evolution, and agriculture, as they help scientists understand how traits are inherited and expressed. By studying phenotypes, researchers can identify how certain traits contribute to an organism's survival and reproduction, which is essential for understanding natural selection.