Gene Flow

The movement of alleles from one population to another through migration and interbreeding is called gene flow.

• Gene flow is the transfer of alleles from one population to another, driven by interbreeding between their members.
• This continuous exchange alters the allele frequencies of both the donor and recipient populations, directly increasing genetic variation.
• Despite introducing variation, gene flow exerts a conservative evolutionary effect by distributing alleles and reducing genetic differences between populations.
• The complete interruption of gene flow between distinct populations is a fundamental prerequisite for the formation of new species.
• The frequency of allele exchange depends heavily on the geographical proximity and the physical mobility of organisms or their gametes.