Question

Differentiate between:
A. Genotype and Phenotype
B. Character and Trait
C. Monohybrid Cross and Dihybrid Cross

Answer 1

Genotype, Phenotype, Character, Trait, Monohybrid Cross and dihybrid cross are all different terms used in genetics which are almost the same, with a miniscule difference between them.

Complete Answer
The difference between Genotype and Phenotype is given in the following table:

Parameter	Genotype	Phenotype
Definition	The characteristics of an organism which are by the virtue of the genetic makeup of that organism are called genotype characteristics.	The observable characteristics which are present in an organism by the virtue of the physical condition of the organism are called phenotype characteristics.
Examples	Black hair, Brown hair, etc. are genotypes of an organism.	The colour of flamingos is a phenotype characteristic.

The difference between Character and Trait is given in the following table:

Parameter	Character	Trait
Definition	Character can be defined as an heritable feature that is transferred from one generation to another. It is one of the observable features that imparts individuality to the organism.	Trait can be defined as an alternative form of character. It is a distinct form of character formed out of phenotypic variations. They are unique to the particular organism as are formed out genetic alterations such as mutation.
Examples	Muscular development is an example of inherited character.	Hair colour is a kind of genetic trait.

The difference between Monohybrid Cross and Dihybrid Cross is given in the following table:

Parameter	Monohybrid Cross	Dihybrid Cross
Definition	In this type of cross over, only one pair of contrasting characters is considered. Such a mating produces two different types of phenotypic progenies in a ratio of 3:1.	In this type of cross over, two pairs of contrasting characters are considered for mating. Such a mating produces four different types of phenotypic progenies in a ratio of 9:3:3:1.
Examples	When a tall pea plant is crossed with a dwarf pea plant.	When a pea plant with round and yellow seed is crossed with green and wrinkled seeded pea plant.

Note: Genes are a sequence of DNA that carry hereditary characters from one generation to another. It is a unit of heredity in organisms. Alleles are an alternative form of gene that occupy the same location on homologous chromosomes and control the same character.