The traits of an organism are controlled by its:

• A. diet
• B. genes
• C. behavior
• D. environment only

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that traits of an organism are characteristics that can be observed or measured, such as eye color, height, or blood type.
2. Recognize that traits can be influenced by multiple factors, including genes, environment, diet, and behavior.
3. Recall that genes are segments of DNA that carry the instructions for building proteins, which ultimately influence the traits of an organism.
4. Differentiate between genetic control and environmental influence: while environment, diet, and behavior can affect how traits are expressed, the fundamental control comes from genes.
5. Conclude that the primary control of an organism's traits is its genes, as they provide the hereditary information passed from parents to offspring.