What is the significance of gene flow in a population?

• A. It decreases genetic diversity by removing alleles.
• B. It increases genetic diversity by introducing new alleles.
• C. It leads to the formation of new species by isolating populations.
• D. It has no effect on the genetic diversity of a population.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Gene flow refers to the transfer of genetic material between separate populations. This can occur through various mechanisms such as migration, where individuals from one population move to another and interbreed.
2. When individuals from different populations interbreed, they introduce new alleles into the gene pool of the recipient population. This process increases the genetic diversity of that population.
3. Increased genetic diversity is beneficial as it can enhance the ability of a population to adapt to changing environmental conditions, thereby increasing its chances of survival.
4. Gene flow can counteract the effects of genetic drift, which tends to reduce genetic variation within small populations by random changes in allele frequencies.
5. While gene flow increases genetic diversity, it does not lead to the formation of new species by isolating populations. Instead, it tends to homogenize populations, making them more genetically similar.