Which term describes the observable traits in an organism?

The term that describes the observable traits in an organism is "phenotype." Phenotype encompasses all the physical expressions and characteristics of an organism, such as height, eye color, and the presence of certain physical features. These traits are a result of the interaction between the organism's genetic makeup (its genotype) and environmental influences.

Understanding the concept of phenotype is fundamental in genetics, as it allows scientists and students to distinguish between the underlying genetic code (genotype) and the manifested characteristics. This distinction is crucial for studying inheritance, variation, and the relationship between genetics and the environment in shaping an organism’s traits. The term "phenotype" provides a comprehensive way to refer to all observable characteristics, making it essential for discussions in biology and life sciences.