What are examples of continuous variation in humans?

Examples of continuous variation in humans include height, weight, skin colour, and intelligence.

Continuous variation refers to a range of small differences in a shared trait among individuals. Unlike discontinuous variation, where traits fall into distinct categories, continuous variation shows a range of phenotypes that appear along a continuum. In humans, this can be seen in traits such as height, weight, skin colour, and intelligence.

Height is a classic example of continuous variation. Humans do not come in set heights; instead, there is a wide range of heights that people can be, from very short to very tall. This variation is influenced by a combination of genetic factors (the heights of your parents) and environmental factors (nutrition and health).

Weight is another example of continuous variation. Like height, weight can vary greatly among individuals and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. These factors include metabolism rate, diet, and physical activity levels.

Skin colour also shows continuous variation. It ranges from very light to very dark, with many shades in between. This variation is primarily due to the amount and type of melanin, a pigment produced by cells in the skin. Genetic factors determine the potential range of skin colours a person can have, while environmental factors, such as sun exposure, can influence the actual skin colour.

Intelligence, though harder to measure and define, is considered to show continuous variation. Intelligence can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, upbringing, education, and personal experiences. It is typically measured using IQ tests, which give a score that can range widely among individuals.

In all these examples, the key point is that the traits do not fall into distinct categories but instead show a continuous range of values. This is the essence of continuous variation.