How would you classify traits that display a bell curve distribution?

Traits that display a bell curve distribution are classified as continuous traits. Continuous traits exhibit a range of phenotypes that can vary smoothly across a spectrum without distinct boundaries, which is characteristic of a normal distribution. This bell curve reflects the influence of multiple genes (polygenic inheritance), where many alleles contribute to the phenotype, resulting in a gradual range of variations rather than distinct categories.

In contrast, meristic traits, which count distinct values (like the number of seeds in a pod), would not typically follow a bell curve distribution but would rather reflect a form of discrete variation. Qualitative traits usually involve traits that can be categorized into distinct classes with no intermediate forms, while discrete traits also consist of clear, separate categories, rather than showing a continuous range.

Thus, the classification of continuous traits fits the description of a bell curve distribution well, showcasing how these traits result from cumulative genetic contributions and environmental interactions, leading to a wide array of possible phenotypes.