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.

AB
Answered by Adela B. Biology tutor

9132 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

MRSA and C. difficile are resistant bacterial strains which cause life-threatening infections in hospitals. Explain how MRSA/ C. difficile could arise from non-resistant bacteria. [6 marks]


How can leaching cause bad smells in lakes?


What does the nervous system consist of and what does it do?


Describe the steps that occur in allopatric speciation or geographical speciation.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning