Differences between Continuous and Discontinuous Variations | Plants

The upcoming discussion will update you about the differences between continuous and discontinuous variations.

Continuous Variations:

1. The variations fluctuate around an average or mean of species.

2. Direction of continuous variations is predictable.

3. They are already present in the population.

4. Continuous variations are formed due to chance segregation of genes during gamete formation, crossing over and chance combination during fertilization.

5. They can increase adaptability of the race but cannot form new species.

6. Continuous variations are connected with the mean or average of the species by intermediate stage.

7. The continuous variations are also called fluctuations.

8. When represented graphically, continuous variation gives a smooth bell shaped curve.

9. They are very common.

Discontinuous Variations:

1. A mean or average is absent in discontinuous variations.

2. The direction of discontinuous variations is unpredictable.

3. Discontinuous variations are new variations though similar variations might have occurred previously.

4. Discontinuous variations are produced by change in genome or genes.

5. Discontinuous variations are the fountain head of continuous variations as well as evolution.

6. These variations are not connected with the parental type by intermediate stages.

7. Discontinuous variations are also known as mutations or sports.

8. A curve is not produced when discontinuous variations are represented graphically.

9. These variations appear occasionally.