What is the process called when alleles move in or out of a population due to migration?

What is the process called when alleles move in or out of a population due to migration?

• A. Gene Pool
• B. Gene Flow
• C. Genetic Drift
• D. Gene Mutation

Answer: (B)

The correct term for the movement of alleles into or out of a population due to migration is gene flow. This process occurs when individuals from one population move into another population, bringing their genetic material along with them. As these individuals breed with the residents of the new population, they introduce new alleles to the gene pool or alter the frequency of existing alleles. This can significantly affect the genetic diversity of both the receiving and the original population. Gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity within populations, which can enhance adaptability and survival. It can counteract the effects of genetic drift, which tends to reduce diversity, and is distinct from gene mutation, which refers to changes in the DNA sequence itself within an individual rather than the movement of alleles between populations. The concept of a gene pool, while related to the total collection of alleles in a population, does not specifically address the migration aspect of allele movement.

The correct term for the movement of alleles into or out of a population due to migration is gene flow. This process occurs when individuals from one population move into another population, bringing their genetic material along with them. As these individuals breed with the residents of the new population, they introduce new alleles to the gene pool or alter the frequency of existing alleles. This can significantly affect the genetic diversity of both the receiving and the original population.

Gene flow is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity within populations, which can enhance adaptability and survival. It can counteract the effects of genetic drift, which tends to reduce diversity, and is distinct from gene mutation, which refers to changes in the DNA sequence itself within an individual rather than the movement of alleles between populations. The concept of a gene pool, while related to the total collection of alleles in a population, does not specifically address the migration aspect of allele movement.