The difference between a trait and a characteristic lies in their definitions. A trait is a specific observable or measurable feature of an organism, such as eye color or blood type, often determined by genetics. In contrast, a characteristic is a broader term that refers to a set of traits or features that define an organism, which may include behavioral, morphological, or physiological aspects. For example, the characteristic “reproductive strategy” can encompass various traits such as mating behavior, reproductive rate, and parental care. Understanding both concepts is essential in genetics and biology to describe the complexity of organisms.