Here's why:
* Genotype: This refers to the genetic makeup of an organism, the specific combination of genes it inherits from its parents. It's like the "blueprint" for the organism.
* Phenotype: This refers to the observable characteristics of an organism, including its physical appearance, behavior, and biochemical properties. It's the actual expression of the genotype, influenced by both genes and environment.
Think of it this way:
* Genotype: The instructions in a recipe.
* Phenotype: The actual cake you bake.
The recipe (genotype) determines what ingredients (genes) are used, but the environment (oven temperature, baking time) can also influence the final product (phenotype).