One Characteristic of Continuous Variation is That ____

Question

One characteristic of continuous variation is that ____.
A) traits are usually quantified by counting
B) only a single gene pair contributes to the phenotype
C) individual genes have a large effect on the phenotype
D) phenotypic expression varies across a wide range
E) it is best analyzed in individuals rather than in populations

Accepted Answer

Continuous variation refers to a trait that shows a spectrum of phenotypic expression across a range of values, rather than distinct categories. This suggests that the influence of multiple genes and environmental factors contribute to the phenotype, and individual genes do not have a large effect. Counting would be more appropriate for traits that show discrete variation, and it can be analyzed in individuals or populations.