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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
The areas of the human genome that had no traces of Neanderthal ancestry, the studies suggest, were quickly stripped of Neanderthal sequences through evolution after the gene flow.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
The gene flow also provides insight on the spread of Neanderthal genes once humans began settling in other areas of the world.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 12 Dec. 2024
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
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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 20 Jan. 2025.
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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