Gene flow and non-random mating #12 Flashcards
What is gene flow?
The exchange of genes between populations.
What are the causes of gene flow?
Gene flow can be caused by migration, followed by breeding, movement/exchange of pollen, formation of hybrids or polyploids, and horizontal gene transfer.
What is the effect of gene flow on variation?
High gene flow increases variation by adding new genetic material, while low gene flow favors divergence and can result in speciation.
What are some factors that can prevent gene flow?
Geographic barriers, reproductive barriers, gamete incompatibility, and hybrid fitness can all prevent gene flow.
How can gene flow be measured?
Gene flow can be measured using measures of differentiation, such as Wright’s FST, and appropriate measures depend on the environment.
What is Wright’s FST?
Wright’s FST is a widely-used method for measuring genetic differentiation between populations, and it is the fraction of the total genetic variance found across two or more populations that results from genetic differences between them.
How can Wright’s FST be interpreted?
As a general rule, FST > 0.25 indicates high genetic differentiation, FST between 0.15 and 0.25 indicates moderate differentiation, and FST < 0.15 indicates low differentiation. Values of FST > 0.5 are rare.
