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

Officials in the report note that most of the lion groups proposed for listing are contending with a lack of gene flow because urban barriers keep them from reaching one another.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

“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

Absence of physiographic and biotic barriers in the corridor between these two basins probably allows for some gene flow between handleyi and grisescens, and results in populations intermediate in color.

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