p = g + e + ge

There are many ways to think about how this "equation" works, i.e., to consider the relationship of phenotype, genotype, and environment. For example...if you look at the score for a Beethoven piano concerto, you find that the musical notation containes all the instructions for the notes that each instrument is to play, when they should be played, in what combinations, etc. This is analogous to a genotype.

The phenotype of this score is what we hear. This is very influenced by the piano soloist, the orchestra, the conductor, the auditorium in which the piece is performed, the audience's behavior around us, etc........the environment. The notes (genotype) and the environment interact to provide a musical phenotype that may have significant differences from performance to performance...and still be the Beethoven piano concerto.

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