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
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The extended period of gene flow, lasting about 7,000 years, matches archaeological evidence of overlap between the two hominin groups in Eurasia. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for gene flow 

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gene flow was in 1939

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 21 Dec. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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