continuous variation

American  

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.

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continuous variation Scientific  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of continuous variation

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Offspring appear to be a “blend” of their parents’ traits when we look at characteristics that exhibit continuous variation.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

This hypothetical process appeared to be correct because of what we know now as continuous variation.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

It does appear that offspring are a “blend” of their parents’ traits when we look at characteristics that exhibit continuous variation.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

Above all, she told me that there is continuous variation.

From Psychology and Industrial Efficiency by Münsterberg, Hugo

If some of the parameters are capable of continuous variation and some are not, the group is called a mixed group.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various