The Extended Phenotype

The extended phenotype is the idea that an organism's influence extends beyond its physical body to include all its effects on the environment. For example, a beaver's dam or a spider's web are creations that serve the organism's survival but are part of its genetic expression. These structures can impact other organisms and ecosystems, reflecting how genes influence more than just visible traits. Essentially, the extended phenotype shows that an organism's genetic impact can reach into and shape its surroundings, affecting evolution and interactions beyond its physical form.