Ecology
Cline
A gradual change in a characteristic across a geographic area, typically corresponding to environmental gradients. A continuous variation pattern rather than discrete populations.
Biological Context
Body size in many species increases with latitude (Bergmann's rule), creating a cline. House sparrows show clines in multiple traits across North America, tracking climate gradients. Clines demonstrate adaptation to local conditions while maintaining gene flow across populations.
Business Application
Business clines: gradual variation in practices, prices, or products across markets. Global companies show clines in how products are adapted to local markets—not discrete 'versions' but continuous gradients of localization.