Question

Is gene flow required for natural selection?

Answer 1

Gene flow:

1. Gene flow leads to genetic homogeneity among demes within a metapopulation in the absence of natural selection and genetic drift, such that allele frequencies for a given locus achieve equilibrium values equal to the average frequencies across the metapopulation.
2. Restricted gene flow, on the other hand, encourages population divergence through selection and drift, which, if sustained, can lead to speciation.
3. Natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow are the mechanisms that cause changes in allele frequencies over time.
4. The movement of genes into and out of a population is known as gene flow.
5. Individual organisms may migrate and reproduce in their new communities, or gametes may move.