12 



HEREDITY 



[CH. 



distribution of the variation among the population 

 measured. The highest point of the curve represents 

 the mode for the character, and the extremes of 

 variation are where it touches the base-Hne. The 

 more numerous are the subdivisions into wliich the 



Stature in Inches 



Fig. 2. Curves showing distribution of stature in women (mothers) 

 —dotted line ; and in men (fathers)— continuous liue. The curves 

 approach the 'normal curve.' (Data from Pearson. ) 



variable character is classified, tlie more nearly the 

 line joining the tops of the ordinates will approxi- 

 mate to a smooth curve ; e.g. if the population were 

 measured to the nearest quarter of an inch instead 

 of to the nearest inch there would be four times 



