Continuous/ Discontinuous Variation

• What does the term variation refer to?

  Differences between at least two things
• In relation to natural selection, what does variation refer to?

  Differences between individuals of a species
• What is another term for variation among individuals of a species?

  Intraspecific variation
• What can cause variation in phenotypes of organisms?

  Quantitative or qualitative differences
• What are the two groups into which variation is categorized?

  • Continuous variation
  • Discontinuous variation

  
• What type of variation involves quantitative differences?

  Continuous variation

  
• How is discontinuous variation defined?

  Qualitative differences that are categorical

  
• How can continuous variation be identified in data?

  By the presence of a range of values
• What is the genetic basis of continuous variation?

  Interaction between genetics and environment
• What is the formula that represents the relationship between phenotype, genotype, and environment?

  Phenotype = genotype + environment

  
• What effect do different alleles at a single locus have on phenotype?

  They have a small effect on phenotype
• What are polygenes?

  Genes that have a combined effect on phenotype
• What type of variation arises from qualitative differences?

  Discontinuous variation
• How are qualitative differences characterized in discontinuous variation?

  By discrete and distinguishable categories
• How can discontinuous variation be identified in data?

  By distinct categories in the data
• What is the genetic basis of discontinuous variation?

  It occurs solely due to genetic factors
• What is the relationship between phenotype and genotype in discontinuous variation?

  Phenotype = genotype

  
• What effect do different alleles at a single gene locus have on phenotype?

  They have a large effect on phenotype
• How many alleles do diploid organisms inherit for each gene?

  Two alleles
• What condition is influenced by alleles at the F8 gene locus?

  Haemophilia
• What are the key differences between continuous and discontinuous variation?

  Continuous Variation:

  • Quantitative differences
  • Range of values
  • Influenced by genetics and environment

  
  

  Discontinuous Variation:

  • Qualitative differences
  • Distinct categories
  • Solely due to genetic factors