Which term determines what the offspring looks like?

The correct term for determining what the offspring looks like is "phenotype." The phenotype refers to the observable traits and characteristics of an organism, such as appearance, behavior, and physical structure, which result from the expression of the organism's genes in conjunction with environmental influences.

In genetic terms, the phenotype is shaped by the genotype, which is the genetic makeup inherited from the parents. However, while the genotype provides the potential for traits, it is the phenotype that is expressed and can be observed in the offspring. This distinction is crucial in the study of genetics because it highlights the difference between the underlying genetic information (genotype) and the actual manifestations of those genes (phenotype).

Other terms are related but serve different functions. Genetic mutations can alter the genotype but do not directly describe the traits. Genetic expression refers to how genes are activated or silenced, leading to the phenotypic traits, but again, it does not specifically denote what the offspring looks like. The genotype gives the potential for certain characteristics but the final observable traits are identified through the phenotype.