What’s the difference between characteristics caused by environmental and genetic factors?

A characteristic that is determined by genetic factors is a feature which is coded for in a person's genetics, inherited from their parents, as opposed to environmental factors which are caused by the conditions they are exposed to after birth. An example of a genetic characteristic could be a person's natural hair colour, likely inherited from their parents, grandparents, etc. Whereas an environmental characteristic could be, for example, a scar - a feature they gained due to the conditions they have been exposed to during their life. Some characteristics can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, for example height. Here, a persona will have a genetic coding for the ability to grow to a certain height, but may not attain this due to environmental factors such as malnourishment in childhood.

Answered by Adela B. Biology tutor

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