What term describes the observable traits of an organism?

The term that describes the observable traits of an organism is known as phenotype. Phenotypes include all the visible characteristics that result from the interaction of an organism's genetic makeup with its environment. This encompasses a wide range of traits such as physical appearance, behavior, and physiological properties.

In contrast, genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, which consists of the specific alleles that are inherited from its parents. While the genotype is important in determining the phenotype, it is the phenotype that expresses what we can actually observe.

Alleles are the different forms of a gene that can be found at the same position on homologous chromosomes. Different combinations of alleles contribute to the variety of phenotypes observed.

Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA and carry genetic information. They play a vital role in heredity but do not directly describe observable traits.

Thus, phenotype is the correct term for recognizing and describing the visible traits that are expressed in an organism.