Variation

Question 1

What is continuous variation

Answer 1

When the individuals in a population vary within a range for a characteristic with no distinct categories eg height and mass

Question 2

What are continuous variation characteristics likely to be controlled by

Answer 2

By genes and environment

Question 3

What is discontinuous variation

Answer 3

When there are two or more distinct categories for a characteristic which each individual falls into only one of eg blood group

Question 4

What are discontinuous variation characteristics usually controlled by

Answer 4

Usually just by genes

Question 5

What is a monogenic characteristic

Answer 5

A characteristic controlled by only one gene which usually shows discontinuous variation eg blood group

Question 6

What is a polygenic characteristic

Answer 6

Characteristic controlled by a number of genes at different loci usually showing continuous variation eg height