Barriers of Gene Flow

Question 1

Define gene flow.

Answer 1

The movement of alleles from one population to another through migration.

Question 2

Describe an example of gene flow.

Answer 2

During the 16th century, the whole Chinese population had the Rh+ allele. However due to migration and when European countries began trading with China, immigrants introduced the Rh-.

Question 3

What can environmental barriers lead to?

Answer 3

Populations separated by barriers prevent interbreeding. No two environments are the same, due to different selection pressures. Isolation leads to the development of different gene pools.

Question 4

What are two barriers to gene flow?

Answer 4

1. Geographical barriers.
2. Sociocultural barriers.

Question 5

List 5 examples of geographical barriers.

Answer 5

1. Mountain ranges.
2. Large lake systems.
3. Deserts.
4. Expansive ice sheets.
5. Oceans.

Question 6

List 4 examples of sociocultural barriers.

Answer 6

1. Religion
2. Different dialects.
3. Economic status.
4. Educational or social background.