Which term best describes the diversity of phenotypes for a single trait?

The term that best describes the diversity of phenotypes for a single trait is continuous variation. This concept refers to the range of phenotypic expressions that can occur for a particular trait, which often appears in a gradual manner rather than in distinct categories. For example, traits like height or skin color in humans exemplify continuous variation since they exist on a spectrum and can vary in small increments.

Continuous variation arises from multiple genes contributing to a single trait, which allows for a wide range of phenotypic outcomes as environmental factors and genetic contributions interact. This is different from categorical traits, where phenotypes might fall into clear, separate groups, and is a fundamental concept in understanding how traits develop in populations.