Final answer:
Discontinuous variation refers to traits with two or more distinct forms, such as blood types, which show clear separation and are inherited independently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Traits which show two or more distinct and separate forms can be described as discontinuous variation. This type of variation is seen when individuals exhibit traits that are clearly different from each other with large gaps between them. This pattern of inheritance indicates that the traits are distinct and transmitted independently. Examples of discontinuous traits include blood type and the color of pea flowers in Mendel's genetic experiments. In contrast to continuous variation, where traits exist along a spectrum without distinct groupings, discontinuous variation results in clear-cut categories.
Examples of Discontinuous Variation
- Inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis or albinism.
- The presence or absence of a particular pigmentation.
Additionally, concepts like dominant genes portray traits that mask the expression of other genes when present, epistasis involves the interaction between genes where one gene affects the expression of another, and polygenic traits are controlled by multiple genes, contributing to the diverse forms of traits observed within a population.