6.2.9 Continuous and Discontinuous Variation

Question 1

What does variation mean?

Answer 1

The term variation refers to the differences that exist between at least two things (be it a level, amount, quantity or feature of something)

In relation to natural selection, variation refers to the differences that exist between individuals of a species
This may also be referred to as intraspecific variation

The variation observed in the phenotypes of organisms can be due to quantitative or qualitative differences

For this reason, variation is categorised into two groups:
Continuous variation
Discontinuous variation

Each type of variation can be explained by genetic and/or environmental factors

Question 2

What is continuous variation?

Answer 2

Continuous variation is the differences between individuals of a species where the differences are quantitative (measurable)

Question 3

What is discontinuous variation?

Answer 3

Discontinuous variation refers to the differences between individuals of a species where the differences are qualitative (categoric)