Continuous and discontinuous variation: practical | Science

Starter quiz

When measuring the circumference of an apple, which piece of equipment would give the most accurate measurement?
- fabric tape measure ✓
- ruler
- metal tape measure
What is meant by "variation"?
- differences between organisms of the same species ✓
- similarities between organisms of the same species
- reproduction between organisms of the same species
When measuring the mass of an apple, which piece of equipment should be used?
- balance ✓
- weighing scales
- magnifying glass
- quadrat
A disorder such as cystic fibrosis is a form of variation that is a caused by ...
- genetic factors. ✓
- environmental factors.
- lifestyle choices.
Match each example of variation between humans to their cause.
- Hair that is dyed pink ...
  
  ⇔
  
  is only caused by a lifestyle choice. ✓
- Having blood type A ...
  
  ⇔
  
  is only caused by genetic factors. ✓
- Body mass ...
  
  ⇔
  
  is caused by a combination of factors. ✓
- A person's first (native) language ...
  
  ⇔
  
  is only caused by environmental factors. ✓
A plant is wilting due to lack of water. This is an example of variation caused by the plant's ______.
- 'environment' ✓

Match the type of variation to its definition.
- Discontinuous variation is ...
  
  ⇔
  
  variation that can be divided into particular categories. ✓
- Continuous variation is ...
  
  ⇔
  
  variation that can be one of many values over a continuous range. ✓
Which of the following is an example of discontinuous variation?
- earlobe attachment ✓
- satsuma circumference
- length of leaf
- body mass
Which table uses tally marks to record data on the heights of students?
- table 1
- table 2 ✓
- table 3
Which two of the following are examples of continuous variation?
- height of a tree ✓
- length of a neck ✓
- fur colour
- ability to roll tongue
Whose explanation of discontinuous variation is correct?
- Discontinuous variation has a maximum of three categories: X, Y and Z.
- Discontinuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.7 and 0.2.
- Discontinuous variation has specific categories and may not be numerical. ✓
Whose explanation of continuous variation is correct?
- Continuous variation has an infinite number of individuals.
- Continuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.03 and 0.62. ✓
- Continuous variation has specific categories but is numerical.

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Some features have discontinuous variation (limited variations falling into particular categories).
Some features have continuous variation (can take any value within a range).
Examples of features in humans, other animals and plants that show discontinuous and continuous variation.
Collecting primary data on examples of discontinuous and continuous variation in features.

All types of variation can be measured in the same way.

The lesson explores the differences between discontinuous and continuous variation and how they can be measured.

Discontinuous variation - Variation that is categorical (divided into particular categories).
Continuous variation - Variation that can take any one of many values over a continuous range.
Value - A number generated by a measurement, such as a measurement of mass or length.