Final answer:
a) A cline is a pattern of changes in genetic traits along a geographic gradient. A cline represents a gradual variation in a particular genetic trait within a population that corresponds to a geographical gradient.
Step-by-step explanation:
a) A cline is a pattern of changes in genetic traits along a geographic gradient. A cline represents a gradual variation in a particular genetic trait within a population that corresponds to a geographical gradient. The variation may be influenced by environmental factors, selection pressures, or other adaptive forces. Clines are observed as a continuum of genetic characteristics changing from one population to another, reflecting the adaptation of organisms to diverse environments. Examples of clines include variations in traits like body size, fur color, or physiological adaptations that evolve gradually in response to different ecological conditions. This phenomenon provides insights into how populations adapt and diverge based on their geographic locations and the selective pressures they face.