1. What is the difference between traits and characteristics? Which is within an individual's control

While character and personality are both used to describe someone's behaviors, the two examine different aspects of that individual. One's personality is more visible, while one's character is revealed over time, through varying situations.

Trait is something at genetic level which itself is not physically recognizable but when it expresses itself in the form of characteristics it becomes physically recognizable

Explanation:

Biologically both traits and characteristics are two different things. Trait is something at genetic level which itself is not physically recognizable but when it expresses itself in the form of characteristics it becomes physically recognizable

For example -

Allele for any characteristics carries the trait for that characteristics.

Allele "P" carries the trait for pink color of flower. Now once this allele gets paired with other allele it expresses the characteristic i. e pink colored flower

Nothing is with in an individuals control.