Definition of "phenotype" [phenotype]

• The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences. (noun)
• The expression of a specific trait, such as stature or blood type, based on genetic and environmental influences. (noun)
• An individual or group of organisms exhibiting a particular phenotype. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "We now know that genes modulate biological processes rather than features or traits by themselves, and that the phenotype is the net result of many processes."
• "On the other hand, the metabolically normal obese phenotype, is exemplified by numerous small and functional adipocytes, and thus a normal metabolic profile, despite a high BMI."
• "I believe this type of contingency therefore, to be a necessary condition for any change in phenotype requiring more than rudimentary changes genetically, (more than single point mutations certainly), IF, (and that's a big "IF"), those changes occur via the Darwinian mechanism."