What term describes the genetic makeup of an individual horse?

The genetic makeup of an individual horse is referred to as its genotype. This term encompasses the specific set of genes and alleles that an individual inherits from its parents, which ultimately influences its inherited traits. Genotype is a crucial concept in genetics, as it helps determine various characteristics such as coat color, conformation, and even behavioral tendencies.

In contrast, phenotype refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an individual, which can be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Traits are specific qualities or features of an organism, such as height or color, while characteristics can refer to broader attributes, encompassing a range of traits an animal may display. Therefore, genotype is the precise term used to indicate the underlying genetic composition of the horse, distinguishing it from the more observable attributes referred to by the other terms.