Which term describes the genetic makeup of an organism?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The term that describes the genetic makeup of an organism is genotype. Genotype refers specifically to the genetic constitution of an individual, encompassing the alleles inherited from its parents. It lays the foundation for the potential characteristics and traits that can be expressed in the organism.

In contrast, phenotype pertains to the observable characteristics or traits of an organism, which can result from both genetic makeup and environmental influences. Microevolution relates to small-scale evolutionary changes within a population over time and doesn't specifically refer to genetic makeup. Uniformitarianism is a geological doctrine that posits that the earth's features resulted from continuous and uniform processes over time, which does not have a direct connection to genetics. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the fundamental differences between genetic makeup and observable traits in the study of anthropology and biology.

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