Enhance your skills in livestock judging with the Texas FFA Livestock Judging Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations to prepare effectively. Ace your exam!

Practice this question and more.


What term describes the genetic makeup of an animal?

  1. Phenotype

  2. Genotype

  3. Allele

  4. Chromosome

The correct answer is: Genotype

The term that describes the genetic makeup of an animal is "genotype." This refers to the specific set of genetic instructions an individual carries within its DNA, which dictates various traits and characteristics. The genotype is responsible for inherited traits that can be passed down to future generations. Understanding an animal's genotype is crucial for predicting its potential performance, breeding capabilities, and how it may respond to environmental changes. In contrast, phenotype refers to the observable characteristics of an animal, which are influenced by both its genotype and the environment. Alleles are different forms of a gene found at the same locus on a chromosome, and they contribute to variations in traits. Chromosomes are structures within cells that contain genetic material, but they do not specifically describe genetic makeup as a whole.