Continuous and discontinuous variation: practical

Science

Pupils will learn that variation between individuals of the same species means some individuals are better adapted to compete, which can lead to natural selection and cause the heritable characteristics of a species to change (evolve) over generations.

Pupils learned that organisms can be identified and classified into hierarchical groups based upon similarities and differences in their characteristics at the macroscopic and cellular levels.

This unit examines variation within species, both continuous and discontinuous, using measurements and graphical representations. It also emphasises objectivity, accuracy, precision, and repeatability in investigations, the use of appropriate techniques, and the effective presentation of data.

Variation (differences within species)

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

variation that can be divided into particular categories.

variation that can be one of many values over a continuous range.

Match the type of variation to its definition.

Which of the following is an example of discontinuous variation?

Which table uses tally marks to record data on the heights of students?

Which two of the following are examples of continuous variation?

Discontinuous variation has a maximum of three categories: X, Y and Z.

Discontinuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.7 and 0.2.

Discontinuous variation has specific categories and may not be numerical.

Whose explanation of discontinuous variation is correct?

Continuous variation has an infinite number of individuals.

Continuous variation can have lots of in-between values, such as 0.03 and 0.62.

Continuous variation has specific categories but is numerical.

Whose explanation of continuous variation is correct?

When measuring the circumference of an apple, which piece of equipment would give the most accurate measurement?

differences between organisms of the same species

similarities between organisms of the same species

reproduction between organisms of the same species

When measuring the mass of an apple, which piece of equipment should be used?

A disorder such as cystic fibrosis is a form of variation that is a caused by ...

Match each example of variation between humans to their cause.

A plant is wilting due to lack of water. This is an example of variation caused by the plant's {{}}.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Continuous and discontinuous variation: practical

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.