Variation can be continuous or discontinuous. In continuous variation there is a range of infinite possibilities between two extremes. In discontinuous variation the individual must possess one of a set of discrete characteristics.Continuous variation e.g. height or weight, tends to occur as a result of many genes (polygenic) and the environment.Any data collected will be quantitative and the values will follow a normal distribution curve.
Continuous Variation
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Specification: OCR Biology A (H020), AS-level, 4.2.2 Classification and evolution. Topic: Classification and Evolution.
Key terms in this lesson
- transcription
- The synthesis of a complementary mRNA strand from a DNA template, which takes place in the nucleus.
- pathogen
- A microorganism that causes disease.
- gene
- A length of DNA that codes for a specific polypeptide.
More in Classification and Evolution
- Genetic Causes of Variation - Mutation
- Genetic Causes of Variation - Meiosis and Chance
- Environmental Causes of Variation
- Discontinuous Variation
- Normal Distribution
- Standard Deviation
- Student T-test
- Spearman's Rank Correlation Coefficient
All 36 lessons in Classification and Evolution · All OCR AS-level Biology topics