A trait is a specific characteristic that an organism has. A characteristic of an organism can be inherited or acquired. Traits make each individual unique. Some examples of traits are hair color, blood type, and skin tone. Traits can be determined by genes or the environment, and the interactions between the two. Traits can be physical or behavioral.The word "phenotype" is sometimes used interchangeably with the word trait, and "phenotype" may also define a whole compendium of traits together.
Physical traits
Behavioral traits
Physical traits
- Describe the way something looks
- Describe the internal structure
- Examples: Eye Color, Ear Length, Number of Legs, Pattern of Fur, Length of Muzzle
Behavioral traits
- Describe the way something acts
- Describe something that was learned
- Examples: Fetching things, hibernation, migration, and language.