Question

Number of grains per panicle is a

• A. discrete variable
• B. continuous variable
• C. both discrete and continuous variable
• D. neither discrete nor continuous variable

Hint:

Any variable defined as a count (e.g., number of leaves, number of pests, number of seeds) is a discrete variable.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A statistical variable can be classified as either discrete or continuous based on the values it can take.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us distinguish between the types of variables:
- Discrete variable: A variable that can only take on distinct, isolated values, usually obtained by counting. Examples include integers like 0, 1, 2, 3, etc.
- Continuous variable: A variable that can take on any real value within a given interval, usually obtained by measuring. Examples include height, weight, and temperature.
The "number of grains per panicle" is determined by counting individual grains.
It can only take integer values (e.g., 120 grains, 121 grains) and cannot take fractional values (e.g., 120.5 grains).
Therefore, the number of grains per panicle is a discrete variable.

Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (A).