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.

From Fox News

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

From Nature

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.

From The Guardian

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg