A person's phenotype is determined by their:

- Environment
- Genetics

New Mexico Highlands University

An individual's phenotype refers to their inherited physical characteristics, such as facial features. These characteristics are determined by the interaction between the individual's genetic makeup (genotype) and environmental influences.

Phenotype

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Determinants of Phenotype

A key distinction in genetics is between the genotype, which is an organism's complete set of genetic material, and the phenotype, which comprises the organism's observable physical and psychological characteristics. The genotype provides the blueprint, while the phenotype is the actual expression of that blueprint, which is often influenced by environmental factors.

Genotype vs. Phenotype

Genes are not isolated entities; they function within an environmental context that significantly influences their expression, including the timing, manner, and combination in which they are activated. Every individual is a product of the distinct interplay between their genetic blueprint and their surroundings. Frameworks such as the 'range of reaction' are used to describe this complex interaction.

Gene-Environment Interactions

Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors can influence the expression of genes without changing the underlying DNA sequence. This field examines how the same genotype can result in very different phenotypes, providing a framework for understanding how experiences and environment can impact health and behavior.

Epigenetics

Two identical twins possess the exact same genetic code for height. One twin is raised in an environment with excellent nutrition and grows to be six feet tall. The other twin is raised in an environment with poor nutrition and only grows to be five feet, six inches tall. This difference in their final height is a direct illustration of a difference in which of the following?

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