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

"We found a ton of gene flow going on," Chan said.

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

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

“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 difference in elevation and flora seems to restrict gene flow between handleyi and the more northern nigrescens.

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