continuous variation

noun

Biology.

1. variation in phenotypic traits such as body weight or height in which a series of types are distributed on a continuum rather than grouped into discrete categories.

continuous variation

1. Variation within a population in which a graded series of intermediate phenotypes falls between the extremes. Height in human beings, for example, exists in continuous variation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuous variation¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

They discovered a pattern of continuous variation, or gradient, from a relatively high infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in cells lining the nasal passages, to less infectivity in cells lining the throat and bronchia, to relatively low infectivity in lung cells.

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The high level of mutation results in continuous variation in two key viral proteins over time.

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Rather, it needs to be understood as a hand-to-hand combat of energies – always factoring in the continuous variation of pitch and overhead conditions – whereby the singular style and skill-set of each player presents for their direct adversary what philosophers like to call a "problematic", a puzzle.

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This continuous variation was supposed to account for the origin of new species when it became excessive.

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The determination of a particular operation of a given continuous group depends on assigning special values to each one of a set of parameters which are capable of continuous variation.

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