Gene flow is when genetic material moves between different groups of living things. This movement is really important for how species change over time. It brings in new genes, which can help a group become more diverse and better suited to new environments.
How Gene Flow Works
Gene flow mostly happens through migration. This means that some individuals travel from one group to another, taking their genes with them. When this occurs, it mixes up the genetic material. This mixing can help reduce problems that happen with genetic drift and inbreeding, which can narrow the gene pool.
Effects on Genetic Diversity
Research shows that groups with a lot of gene flow can keep more genetic diversity. For example, prairie chickens in Illinois had a boost in genetic variety of up to 20% after new birds were added from other places.
Balancing Adaptation
Gene flow can also make allele frequencies more similar between groups, which may lessen local traits. For instance, if a helpful gene from one group mixes with others, the strong local features may become less noticeable.
In short, gene flow is crucial for shaping the genetic makeup of groups. It impacts how species evolve by increasing diversity and changing how well they adapt to their surroundings.
Gene flow is when genetic material moves between different groups of living things. This movement is really important for how species change over time. It brings in new genes, which can help a group become more diverse and better suited to new environments.
How Gene Flow Works
Gene flow mostly happens through migration. This means that some individuals travel from one group to another, taking their genes with them. When this occurs, it mixes up the genetic material. This mixing can help reduce problems that happen with genetic drift and inbreeding, which can narrow the gene pool.
Effects on Genetic Diversity
Research shows that groups with a lot of gene flow can keep more genetic diversity. For example, prairie chickens in Illinois had a boost in genetic variety of up to 20% after new birds were added from other places.
Balancing Adaptation
Gene flow can also make allele frequencies more similar between groups, which may lessen local traits. For instance, if a helpful gene from one group mixes with others, the strong local features may become less noticeable.
In short, gene flow is crucial for shaping the genetic makeup of groups. It impacts how species evolve by increasing diversity and changing how well they adapt to their surroundings.