gene flow

American  

noun

Ecology.

1. the alteration of the frequencies of alleles of particular genes in a population, resulting from interbreeding with organisms from another population having different frequencies.

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gene flow British  

noun

1. the movement and exchange of genes between interbreeding populations

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Etymology

Origin of gene flow

First recorded in 1945–50

Compare meaning

How does gene-flow compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• gene flow vs. genetic drift

Example Sentences

Instead the gene flow "occurred predominantly between Neanderthal males and anatomically modern human females," said Alexander Platt, a senior research scientist on the study.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

That strategy, called assisted gene flow, can be accomplished by planting seeds or seedlings, or by relocating mature trees, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 28, 2024

However, it is often assumed that extensive gene flow can only take place between populations that belong to the same, and not different, species.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2024

“That gene flow that monarchs may facilitate is probably unmatched by other flower visitors to milkweeds,” Lee-Mäder said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2023

The Colorado and Brazos rivers seemingly serve as barriers reducing gene flow between taylori and subater.

From Speciation and Evolution of the Pygmy Mice, Genus Baiomys by Packard, Robert L.