"Phenotypic" refers to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which result from the interaction of its genetic makeup and the environment. These traits can include physical features like height, color, and shape, as well as behavioral attributes. The study of phenotypes helps scientists understand how genes influence development and how environmental factors can alter these traits.
In genetics, the term is often contrasted with "genotypic," which refers to the underlying genetic code. For example, two organisms may have the same genotype but exhibit different phenotypes due to variations in their environments. This distinction is crucial in fields like evolutionary biology and medicine.