Question

Differentiate between: [4 MARKS]
(i) genotype and phenotype
(ii) character and trait

Answer 1

Each Part: 2 Marks

(i) Genotype. The genetic constitution of an organism is referred to as its genotype. For example, an organism may have the genetic composition RR or Rr or rr.
Phenotype. Phenotype refers to the observable characteristic of an organism which is genetically controlled. For Example, RR and Rr are both red, i.e., externally they look the same. This means that they are phenotypically the same. But they carry different genes and are therefore said to differ in genotype. Thus, for one phenotype (say red colour), there can be two gene combinations or genotypes (RR - homozygous and Rr - heterozygous).

(ii) Character: Any heritable feature is a character.
Trait: The alternative form of a character is trait.