discontinuous variation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical/UncommonTechnical/Scientific/Academic
Quick answer
What does “discontinuous variation” mean?
In biology/statistics: Variation where traits fall into distinct, separate categories with no intermediates.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In biology/statistics: Variation where traits fall into distinct, separate categories with no intermediates.
A type of qualitative variation where data points cluster into discrete groups, often controlled by a single gene or a few genes, contrasting with continuous variation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows national conventions ('behaviour' vs 'behavior' in context).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally uncommon outside specialist fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “discontinuous variation” in a Sentence
The [phenotypic trait] exhibits discontinuous variation.Discontinuous variation is seen/observed in [trait].Discontinuous variation results from [genetic cause].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discontinuous variation” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The discontinuous variation pattern was clear in the pea plant phenotypes.
American English
- They were studying a trait showing discontinuous variation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in biology/genetics curricula. Used in statistics to describe discrete data types.
Everyday
Extremely rare.
Technical
Standard term in genetics, evolutionary biology, and biometrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discontinuous variation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discontinuous variation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discontinuous variation”
- Using 'discontinuous' to mean 'intermittent' or 'sporadic' in time rather than in state/category.
- Confusing it with 'discrete variation' (which is correct) but spelling it 'discreet variation'.
- Using it to describe quantitative data that is simply clustered.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Discontinuous variation produces distinct, separate categories (e.g., blood types). Continuous variation produces a smooth spectrum of differences (e.g., height).
Typically no. It is usually controlled by one gene or a very small number of genes, following Mendelian inheritance patterns.
Rarely. Discontinuous variation is predominantly genetically determined. Environmental influences typically cause continuous variation.
Yes, in scientific contexts, 'discrete variation' is often used interchangeably with 'discontinuous variation'.
In biology/statistics: Variation where traits fall into distinct, separate categories with no intermediates.
Discontinuous variation is usually technical/scientific/academic in register.
Discontinuous variation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjʊəs ˌveəriˈeɪʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪskənˈtɪnjuəs ˌveriˈeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a light switch: it's either ON or OFF (discrete states), not like a dimmer switch which slides smoothly (continuous).
Conceptual Metaphor
VARIATION AS A SPECTRUM (where discontinuous variation is distinct points on the spectrum, not a smooth gradient).
Practice
Quiz
Which field is 'discontinuous variation' a core technical term in?