What factor is responsible for phenotypic variations among clones?

Phenotypic variations among clones are significantly influenced by environmental factors. While clones share the same genetic material, which typically would result in uniformity in traits, their expression can differ because of the environments in which they are grown or raised. Factors such as temperature, soil composition, moisture levels, light exposure, and even the presence of pathogens or competitors can lead to differences in growth, development, and observable traits. Environmental conditions can modify gene expression through mechanisms such as epigenetics, wherein the environment impacts how genes are turned on or off.

Nutritional aspects, while a component of the environmental context, do not encompass the full range of influences that the environment has on phenotypes. Although genetics and mutations play critical roles in establishing potential traits, they are less relevant when discussing variations among clones since clones are genetically identical. Instead, it is primarily the environmental conditions that lead to the observable differences in phenotype despite the shared genetic makeup.