Explain how interactions between genes and the environment can affect phenotype

Genetic variation determines inherited differences between individuals. Our height or eye color are inherited from our parents, but our phenotype is also affected by environment such as the food we eat (diet), drugs we take, toxins surrounding us, climate, location, culture, physical accidents and lifestyle.

A person may inherit a gene to be tall, but poor diet during childhood may cause stunted growth.

A Plant may have the potential for strong growth, but if the soil does not have sufficient minerals, the plant may hardly grow at all.