What impact does the environment have on the phenotype of an organism?

The environment plays a critical role in shaping the phenotype of an organism by interacting with genetic factors. This means that while the genetic makeup of an organism provides a set of potential traits, the environment can influence how these traits are expressed.

For instance, factors such as temperature, nutrition, light, and the presence of other organisms can affect phenotypic traits like color, size, and development. For example, in the case of hydrangeas, the pH of the soil affects the color of the flowers, demonstrating the interplay between genetic potential and environmental conditions.

This interaction also explains why identical twins may exhibit differences in physical traits and behaviors when raised in different environments, underscoring the importance of both genetics and environmental factors in the development of phenotypic characteristics.

The other options do not accurately represent this complex relationship. One implies a one-sided influence, while others dismiss the effects on phenotypes entirely or overly narrow the influence to just behavior.