Gene flow and genetic drift are important parts of how evolution happens.
Genetic Drift:
In small groups of living things, genetic drift can cause big changes in which genes are passed on.
For example, if you had a group of 50 animals, there’s a 45% chance that they might lose a gene completely after 10 generations.
Gene Flow:
Gene flow happens when individuals move between different groups. This movement brings in new genes.
So, if 10% of a group of animals migrates, the variety of genes in that group can grow by 20% over time. This helps balance out the effects of genetic drift.
In short, gene flow can help reduce the problems caused by genetic drift. It keeps different genes and stability in groups of living things.
Gene flow and genetic drift are important parts of how evolution happens.
Genetic Drift:
In small groups of living things, genetic drift can cause big changes in which genes are passed on.
For example, if you had a group of 50 animals, there’s a 45% chance that they might lose a gene completely after 10 generations.
Gene Flow:
Gene flow happens when individuals move between different groups. This movement brings in new genes.
So, if 10% of a group of animals migrates, the variety of genes in that group can grow by 20% over time. This helps balance out the effects of genetic drift.
In short, gene flow can help reduce the problems caused by genetic drift. It keeps different genes and stability in groups of living things.