Gene Flow and Population Diversity

Gene flow is an evolutionary force involving the movement of alleles between populations through migrating individuals. It equalizes allele frequencies, increases diversity, and is random with respect to fitness. Gene flow is crucial in conservation, helping replenish lost alleles and enhancing genetic diversity.

What is the primary mechanism through which alleles move between populations?

• Through direct allele transfer

• Through the air

• By individual migration

• Via water currents

How does gene flow affect allele frequencies between two populations?

• It makes them more different

• It equalizes them

• It has no effect

• It randomizes them

What is one effect of individuals moving into a new population?

• Has no effect on diversity

• Eliminates diversity

• Increases diversity

• Decreases diversity

In the cartoon example, what happens to the allele frequencies of the two populations over time?

• They become extinct

• They remain unchanged

• They become more different

• They become more similar

What is the effect of gene flow on the diversity of a population over time?

• Eliminates diversity

• Has no effect on diversity

• Increases diversity

• Decreases diversity

How does gene flow relate to fitness?

• It always increases fitness

• It has no relation to fitness

• It always decreases fitness

• It is random with respect to fitness

Why is gene flow considered important in conservation?

• It decreases genetic diversity

• It replenishes lost alleles

• It causes extinction

• It has no impact on conservation

What is a consistent outcome of gene flow between two populations?

• Reduces differences

• Has no effect

• Increases differences

• Causes extinction

What is the next topic to be discussed after gene flow?

• Speciation

• Mutation

• Genetic drift

• Natural selection

What is the role of gene flow in small populations?

• It causes genetic drift

• It replenishes lost alleles

• It decreases genetic diversity

• It has no effect