What does the term 'genotype' refer to?

The term 'genotype' specifically refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, which includes all the alleles that an individual possesses. This genetic information determines various traits and characteristics, influencing how an organism develops, functions, and interacts with its environment. Understanding genotype is crucial for studying inheritance patterns, genetic diversity, and evolutionary biology, as it lays the foundation for phenotypic expression—how those genetic traits are manifested in observable characteristics. This distinction between genotype and phenotype (the overall appearance of an organism) highlights the importance of underlying genetics in shaping biological diversity.