Continuous and discontinuous variations: Major differences
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Continuous variations
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Discontinuous variations
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1. They refer to small, indistinct
differences from the normal condition.
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They refer to large, conspicuous differences from the parents.
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2. They are already present in
population.
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They are new variations through similar variations might have occurred
previously.
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3. They are also known as fluctuations.
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They are also known as mutations or spurts.
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4. They are usually unstable and
non-inheritable.
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They are usually stable and heritable.
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5.
They are due to chance segregation of genes during gamete formation,
crossing over or chance combination during fertilization.
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They are produced by change in genes or genome.
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6.
They can be represented by smooth curve.
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A curve is not produced.
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7.
They are very common in all organisms.
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They appear suddenly and in few cases only.
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