A genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, encompassing the alleles inherited from its parents. It serves as the underlying blueprint for an organism's traits and characteristics, influencing phenotypes—observable expressions of those traits. Genotypes can vary widely within a population, contributing to genetic diversity. Understanding genotypes is crucial in fields such as genetics, evolutionary biology, and medicine. It helps to assess hereditary conditions, predict trait inheritance, and understand adaptability and evolution of species over time, thereby informing breeding programs and conservation efforts.