Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is true of continuous variation?
A
It is typically controlled by a single gene with two alleles.
B
It results from the influence of multiple genes and environmental factors.
C
It leads to distinct and separate phenotypic categories.
D
It is not influenced by environmental factors.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Continuous variation refers to a range of small differences in a shared trait. Unlike discrete variation, which results in distinct categories, continuous variation shows a spectrum of phenotypes.
Continuous variation is typically influenced by multiple genes, known as polygenic inheritance. Each gene may have several alleles contributing to the trait, leading to a wide range of possible phenotypes.
Environmental factors also play a significant role in continuous variation. These factors can affect the expression of genes, further contributing to the diversity of phenotypes observed.
An example of continuous variation is human height, which is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors such as nutrition and health during development.
In summary, continuous variation results from the combined effects of multiple genes and environmental influences, leading to a continuous range of phenotypes rather than distinct categories.