If development does not occur in stages, then it is likely that development can be described as __________.

If development does not happen in distinct stages, it is described as continuous: change unfolds gradually over time rather than in separate, step-like periods. Therefore, the correct choice is continuous. “Discontinuous” and “discrete” suggest distinct stages or breaks, while “incremental” is not the standard contrast used here.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.