TAMU BIOL112 Exam 3 Practice Exam

Increased gene flow between two populations leads to a greater exchange of genetic material, which can result in increased genetic similarity. When individuals from different populations interbreed, their offspring inherit a mix of alleles from both populations. As a result, the genetic differences that existed before gene flow occurs can diminish over time, making the two populations more genetically alike. This process can affect characteristics such as allele frequencies and increase overall genetic diversity in both populations if the populations have different gene pools. It essentially lessens the effects of evolutionary forces like natural selection and genetic drift that might have otherwise caused the populations to diverge genetically. In scenarios where gene flow is significant, the distinctiveness of each population may be reduced, promoting homogeneity.