5.5 Environmental Effects on Phenotype

Naturally occurring diversity among and between components within biological systems affects interactions with the environment. Explain how the same genotype can result in multiple phenotypes under different environmental conditions. Environmental factors influence gene expression and can lead to phenotypic plasticity. Phenotypic plasticity occurs when individuals with the same genotype exhibit different phenotypes in different environments.

phenotypic plasticity

two individuals with the same genotype can have different phenotypes, as gene expression and protein function can be affected by the environment

• height/weight in humans also impacted by nutrition/exercise, disease, medication

• soil pH determines color in hydrangeas, season determines fur color in arctic hares

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