Which statement best describes how the environment influences the traits of an individual?

AThe environment influences the genotype but not the phenotype of the individual.
BThe environment influences the phenotype but not the genotype of the individual.
CThe environment influences both the genotype and the phenotype of the individual.
DThe environment influences neither the genotype nor the phenotype of the individual.

Verified Answer :

The best possible answer is B.........

Answer: The correct answer is -

B) The environment influences the phenotype but not the genotype of the individual.

Phenotype can be described as the physical traits/characteristic of an organism (such as skin color, hair color).

On the other hand, genotype corresponds to the genetic makeup of the organism (it is represented with the help of alleles, which are the gene variants).

Phenotype of any organism is dependent on the genotype, environmental factors, and the interaction of genotype with the environment.

Whereas gentotype is not dependent on the environmental factors.

Thus, there is environmental influence on the phenotype and not on the genotype.

Therefore, option B) is the right answer.