How does gene flow influence genetic differentiation between populations?

How does gene flow influence genetic differentiation between populations?

• A. It reduces differences by moving alleles between populations.
• B. It increases differences by preventing allele movement.
• C. It has no effect on differentiation.
• D. It creates completely new genes.

Answer: (A)

Gene flow is the movement of alleles between populations through migration and breeding. When individuals or their gametes move from one population to another, they bring their alleles with them and mix with the local gene pool. Over generations, this exchange makes allele frequencies in the populations more similar, reducing genetic differentiation between them. In other words, gene flow tends to homogenize populations rather than let them drift apart. For example, pollen or seed dispersal between plant populations can introduce new alleles, so the two nearby groups become more alike genetically. If gene flow is frequent, populations stay genetically similar; if it’s limited, random drift and local selection can cause them to diverge.

Gene flow is the movement of alleles between populations through migration and breeding. When individuals or their gametes move from one population to another, they bring their alleles with them and mix with the local gene pool. Over generations, this exchange makes allele frequencies in the populations more similar, reducing genetic differentiation between them. In other words, gene flow tends to homogenize populations rather than let them drift apart. For example, pollen or seed dispersal between plant populations can introduce new alleles, so the two nearby groups become more alike genetically. If gene flow is frequent, populations stay genetically similar; if it’s limited, random drift and local selection can cause them to diverge.