What is the term for a continuum of variation from one phenotype to another, such as human height?

The term that refers to a continuum of variation from one phenotype to another, such as human height, is continuous variation. This concept describes traits that do not fall into distinct categories but instead exhibit a range of values. For example, in human height, individuals can be very short, average, or very tall, and there are numerous intermediate heights, showcasing the gradual shifts between phenotypes.

In continuous variation, the phenotypic traits are influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors, which contribute to the smooth range observed in a population. This contrasts with discrete variation, where traits are influenced by single genes and can usually be categorized into distinct groups with no intermediates. The terms variation gradient and polymorphism do not specifically capture the concept of a smooth transition of traits across a range, as is seen in continuous variation.