What term describes the transfer of genetic information between populations?

What term describes the transfer of genetic information between populations?

• A. Genetic drift
• B. Gene flow
• C. Adaptive radiation
• D. Convergent evolution

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the transfer of genetic information between populations is gene flow. This process occurs when individuals from one population migrate to another and interbreed, bringing new alleles into the gene pool of the receiving population. This mixing of genetic material can enhance genetic diversity and may contribute to the evolution of species by introducing new adaptations. In contrast, genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, typically notable in small populations, and does not involve the movement of individuals between populations. Adaptive radiation is the process in which a single ancestral lineage rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, often following a major event such as the colonization of new habitats. Convergent evolution describes a process where unrelated species develop similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures, rather than exchanging genetic material.

The term that describes the transfer of genetic information between populations is gene flow. This process occurs when individuals from one population migrate to another and interbreed, bringing new alleles into the gene pool of the receiving population. This mixing of genetic material can enhance genetic diversity and may contribute to the evolution of species by introducing new adaptations.

In contrast, genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, typically notable in small populations, and does not involve the movement of individuals between populations. Adaptive radiation is the process in which a single ancestral lineage rapidly diversifies into a variety of forms to exploit different ecological niches, often following a major event such as the colonization of new habitats. Convergent evolution describes a process where unrelated species develop similar traits or adaptations due to similar environmental pressures, rather than exchanging genetic material.