Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cline

noun

/klaɪn/

Definition

A cline is a gradient of genetic or phenotypic variation across geographical space.

Examples

The cline of skin color across different populations illustrates how human traits adapt to different environments.
In biology, a study of the cline can reveal how species adapt over generations to their surroundings.
The concept of cline can be seen in the variation of leaf size in plants depending on altitude.

Meaning

It refers to a continuous series of varying traits across different populations of the same species, illustrating how traits can change gradually rather than abruptly.