phenotype – the observable physical characteristics of an organism

(Pronounced fee-no-typ)

To remember the meaning of phenotype, use the following mnemonic:

I didn't know what to feed this creature, there was no other type (phenotype) of animal like it due to its strange physical characteristics.

Phenotype is the observable physical characteristics and traits of an organism that result from the interaction between its genes (genotype) and environment. These are features you can actually see or measure, such as eye colour, height or blood type. The phenotype is determined by the genotype (the genetic makeup), but environmental factors can also influence how these traits are expressed. For example, a plant may have genes for growing tall, but if it doesn't receive enough sunlight or nutrients, its actual height (phenotype) may be shorter than its genetic potential. Understanding phenotypes is important in genetics because it helps explain how traits are inherited and expressed, and why offspring may look similar to but not identical to their parents. 

You can also think of phenotype as the outcome letter. Use this link to understand.