CONTINUOUS VARIATION AND DISCONTINUOUS VARIATION

Introduction
The same yet different is a common word. What does that really mean to you? Have you also
ever wondered why two individuals are different from each other?
There is but a single answer: variation
Objectives
1. Define variation
2. Explain continuous and discontinuous variation
3. Differentiate between continuous and discontinuous variation
4. Appreciate the fact that genes and environment play an important role in the variability of
species
4. 1: Variation
It is the difference in characteristics or traits in organisms of the same species. Variation in alleles
of genes occurs both within and among populations. Genetic variation is important because it
provides the genetic material for natural selection. This variation permits flexibility and survival
of a population in the face of changing environmental circumstances and can also produce
variation in the gene pools. Thus brothers and sisters may look similar to each other but there are
always significant differences between. The intermingling of parental genetic materials into new
combinations brings about the difference in characteristics of living organism.
4.2: Categories of variation
Variation may be categorized into two known as continuous and discontinuous.
4.2.1: Continuous variations
You might have learnt from your previous unit the importance of polygene during inheritance.
Lets apply our previous knowledge in this regard.
In continuous variation, members exhibit traits in populations which are intermediate between
two extremes. It is controlled by many genes (polygene). Each gene has a little effect on the
organism but their combine effect may be significant. It may be influenced by the environment.
Examples include: Skin colour, weight, height, intelligence etc.
Can you figure out other forms of continuous variation?

Figure 1. A graph show continuous variation in a human population

4.2.2: Discontinuous variation
Organisms produced show clear cut differences in trait without intermediate forms. Here
individuals traits are determined by a single gene or major genes. Individuals show only one of
a limited number of phenotype. It cannot be influenced by the environment. Discontinuous
characteristics are rare in humans and other animals, but are more common in plants.
Examples include: blood group, eye colour, middle digit hair, sex, thumb hyperextension etc.

Figure 1. A graph show discontinuous variation in a human population

Differences between Continuous and Discontinuous variations

Continuous variations
Discontinuous variations
They refer to small, indistinct differences
They refer to large, conspicuous differences
from the normal condition.
from the parents.
They are already present in population.
They are new variations through similar
variations might have occurred previously.
They are also known as fluctuations.
They are also known as mutations or spurts.
They are usually unstable and nonThey are usually stable and heritable.
inheritable.
They are due to chance segregation of genes They are produced by change in genes or
during gamete formation, crossing over or
genome.
chance combination during fertilization.
They can be represented by smooth curve.
A curve is not produced.
They are very common in all organisms.
They appear suddenly and in few cases only.

Summary:

 variation occurs in organisms which reproduce sexually.

Variation occur in organisms of the same species.
Self-Assessment Questions
1. A population of organisms that reproduce asexually without gametes from other
individuals will display more variation than a population that reproduces sexually.
True
False
2. Gene mutation occurs at any time, without respect to the mutation's adaptive value or
benefit to the organism.
True
False
3. There are two types of variation. These are continuous and discontinuous variation.
True
False
4. Discontinuous variation is influenced by the environment
True
False
5. Human variation can be clinal for some traits and discontinuous for others
True
False
6. Some types of variation are due to changes in the genetic material. What is this type of
change called?
A. Fertilisation
B. Mutation
C. Radiation
D. Sterilisation
7. Which type of variation can be presented as a line graph?
A. Continuous
B. Genetic
C. Discontinuous
D. Adapted
A. is such that populations similar for one trait will always be similar for all traits
B. is not affected by gene flow
C. all of the above
8. A clinal distribution is also called:
A. continuous variation
B. discontinuous variation
C. variable distribution
D. gradual distribution
9. Variations within a population are maintained by
A. mutation.
B. genetic recombination due to fertilization.

C. gene flow.
D. All of the choices are correct.
10. In the case of the peppered moths in England, when Kettlewell set up cameras to
document that more white or black moths were eaten by birds on clean or sooty trees, he
was verifying which factor involved in evolution by natural selection?
A. The organisms vary in traits and that these traits may be acquired during a
lifetime.
B. The variation is inherited.
C. More young are born than can survive, so there will always be competition.
D. Some individuals are better adapted to a particular environment than other
individuals.
11. Differentiate between continuous and discontinuous variation