True or False: the phenotype of the animal may change over time, but the genotype will stay the same.

True or False: the phenotype of the animal may change over time, but the genotype will stay the same.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. The genotype remains the same while the phenotype may change
• D. Only in females

Answer: (C)

Genotype and phenotype behave differently over an animal’s life. The genotype is the genetic blueprint the animal inherits, and it stays the same most of the time from conception onward (aside from rare mutations). The phenotype is what you can observe—traits like size, body condition, and coat characteristics—which can change as the animal grows, ages, and experiences different environments, diets, health statuses, and management. So, even with the same genes, an animal can look or perform differently at different times. That’s why this statement is true: the genotype remains the same while the phenotype may change.

Genotype and phenotype behave differently over an animal’s life. The genotype is the genetic blueprint the animal inherits, and it stays the same most of the time from conception onward (aside from rare mutations). The phenotype is what you can observe—traits like size, body condition, and coat characteristics—which can change as the animal grows, ages, and experiences different environments, diets, health statuses, and management. So, even with the same genes, an animal can look or perform differently at different times. That’s why this statement is true: the genotype remains the same while the phenotype may change.