noun
- gradual changes in characteristics of organisms or populations across geographic areas
Usage: biology; technical
Examples
- The researchers studied clines in bird coloration from north to south.
- Temperature clines affect the distribution of plant species.
- Scientists mapped genetic clines across the mountain range.
- The study revealed distinct clines in body size among populations.
- Environmental clines influence evolutionary adaptation patterns.
- Researchers documented clines in flowering time across latitudes.