Phenotype, genotype and the environment

Match the following

• Nature

• Phenotype

• Nurture

• Environment

• Observable characteristics

• Genotype

Match the following

Groups:

(a) Phenotype

,

(b) Not phenotype

• Genes from father

• Strict upbringing

• Eye colour

• Genes from mother

• DNA

• Aggressive

• Tall

• Intelligence

• Language spoken

• Political views

Select the correct answers

• Some phenotypic characteristics can be the result of the environment alone

• Some phenotypic characteristics can be the result of genotype and environment

• Some phenotypic characteristics can be the result of genotype alone

• Some genotypes can be the result of phenotypes and the environment

• Some genotypes can be the result of phenotypes alone

Match the following. Decide if each phenotypic characteristic is likely to be the result of genotype alone, environment alone, or a combination of genotype and environment

Groups:

(a) Genotype + environment

,

(b) Genotype only

,

(c) Environment only

• Language spoken

• Intelligence

• Aggressive

• Political views

• Tall

• Eye colour

Liam and Ethan were raised in the same household by the same parents. Liam is their biological child, while Ethan was adopted as an infant. They both developed a love for reading and enjoy the same hobbies, such as playing chess. However, Liam is naturally gifted in mathematics, while Ethan excels in creative writing. Using your knowledge of genotype and phenotype, explain why Liam and Ethan have both shared and differing characteristics. [4 marks]

Model answer

A person's ​ (a)   includes all their observable characteristics, such as the hobbies enjoyed by Liam and Ethan, and their abilities in writing and maths. A person's ​ (b)   results from both their ​ (c)   (genetic characteristics) and ​ (d)   . While some traits are purely genetic or purely environmental, most arise from both.

• phenotype
• genotype
• environment

Liam and Ethan were raised in the same household by the same parents. Liam is their biological child, while Ethan was adopted as an infant. They both developed a love for reading and enjoy the same hobbies, such as playing chess. However, Liam is naturally gifted in mathematics, while Ethan excels in creative writing. Using your knowledge of genotype and phenotype, explain why Liam and Ethan have both shared and differing characteristics. [4 marks]

Model answer

A person's phenotype includes all their observable characteristics, such as the hobbies enjoyed by Liam and Ethan, and their abilities in writing and maths. A person's phenotype results from both their genotype (genetic characteristics) and environmental influences. While some traits are purely genetic or environmental, most arise from both. Liam and Ethan’s shared upbringing means the ​ (a)   will have influenced them in similar ways, which will have shaped traits in their ​ (b)   where the ​ (c)   plays a role, such as their similar hobbies (e.g., chess). However, as Liam and Ethan are unrelated, they will have a different ​ (d)   from each other. These will have influenced their ​ (e)   , which may explain why Liam is ‘naturally talented in mathematics’ (a trait he may have inherited from his parents) and Ethan excels at creative writing.

• genotype
• phenotype
• environment

Ava and Mia are identical twins, and their younger brother, Jake, is not a twin. They were all raised in the same household by the same parents. All three children are highly social and enjoy team sports. However, Ava and Mia are both naturally strong swimmers, while Jake struggles with swimming but has exceptional problem-solving skills.

Using your knowledge of genotype and phenotype, explain why Ava, Mia, and Jake share some traits but differ in others. [4 marks]

Model answer

A person's phenotype includes all their observable characteristics, such as sociability, athletic ability, and problem-solving skills. A person's phenotype results from both their genotype (genetic characteristics) and environmental influences. While some traits are purely genetic or environmental, most arise from both. Ava, Mia, and Jake’s shared upbringing means they have similar environmental influences, which shape phenotypic traits influenced by the environment, such as their sociability and love for team sports. However, differences in athletic and cognitive abilities may be due to _____________. As identical twins, Ava and Mia share the same ____________, explaining why they are both naturally strong swimmers. Jake, who is not a twin, has a different genotype, which may explain why he excels in problem-solving but not swimming.