The transfer of genetic material between separate populations through migration and interbreeding. Gene flow introduces new alleles and increases genetic diversity within populations while reducing differences between populations.
Compound of 'gene' from Greek 'genos' meaning 'race or kind' and 'flow' from Old English 'flowan' meaning 'to flow like water'. The concept developed in the 1940s as population geneticists began modeling how genes move between populations like water flowing between connected pools.
Gene flow is nature's way of preventing populations from becoming too inbred - it's like having a genetic exchange program! Even one migrant per generation can be enough to counteract genetic drift in small populations, which is why wildlife corridors are so important for conservation.
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