What type of factors contribute to the development of phenotype?

The correct answer recognizes that phenotype, which refers to the observable physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism, results from both genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors provide the foundational blueprint for an organism’s traits, influenced by the alleles inherited from its parents. However, these genetic predispositions do not act in isolation. Environmental factors, such as diet, climate, exposure to toxins, and social interactions, play a crucial role in shaping how these genetic predispositions are expressed. For example, two individuals with the same genetic makeup may develop differently if one is exposed to a nutrient-rich environment while the other is not.

This interplay between genetic inheritance and environmental context is essential in understanding the complexity of phenotype development. Consequently, the synthesis of both factors leads to the diversity of traits observed in populations.