BARRIERS TO GENE FLOW

textbook chapter 9.2

effect of barriers

• inhibit interbreeding between populations

• this isolation leads to separate gene pools forming

geographical barriers

oceans, mountain ranges, rivers, deserts

sociocultural barriers

economic status, education, social position, culture

gene flow

the movement of genetic material from one population to another

what allows gene flow?

individuals moving between populations (migration)

when are barriers to gene flow advantageous?

allow the population to better adapt to the environment

when are barriers to gene flow disadvantageous?

when they lead to a loss of genetic diversity within a population (makes it susceptible to disease and environmental changes)