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gene flow
noun
: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another
Examples of gene flow in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For that study, Princeton University researchers looked at recurrent gene flow between humans and Neandertals over the last 200,000 years.
—Daniel Vergano, Scientific American, 11 Oct. 2024
Scientists and conservationists say this wildlife passage will also be crucial to restoring gene flow among small, isolated populations of cougars trapped south of the freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains, and cougars confined to the north in the Simi Hills and Santa Susana Mountains.
—Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024
Wolves have low genetic diversity, and advocates believe setting up separate subpopulations — like the Grand Canyon ecoregion — will strengthen gene flow and create a backup if disease or wildfire decimates the current population in the experimental area.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 18 July 2024
In Japan, for example, there was a massive gene flow from Korea during the Bronze Age.
—Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 22 Dec. 2021
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Word History
First Known Use
1939, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gene flow
Cite this Entry
“Gene flow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20flow. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
gene flow
noun
: the passage and establishment of genes typical of one breeding population into the gene pool of another
More from Merriam-Webster on gene flow
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene flow
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