Move away from home
Find a mate and reproduce
That is called gene flow
by Prof Fred W. Allendorf
Gene flow is the movement of alleles or genes from one population to another (Slatkin, 1987). Gene flow is crucial in reducing the harmful effects of genetic drift and inbreeding depression in populations. As global change, habitat destruction, and fragmentation rapidly progress, many natural populations are becoming smaller, more isolated, and more affected by inbreeding depression. However, Sewall Wright (1951) demonstrated that even very small amounts of gene flow are sufficient to avoid the harmful effects of genetic drift and inbreeding within local populations.
Original research:
Wright, S. 1951. The genetical structure of natural populations. Annals of Eugenics 15: 323-354.
Prof Fred W. Allendorf is Regents Professor of Biology Emeritus at the University of Montana. His primary scientific interest is the application of population genetics to conservation biology. He is senior author of the book Conservation and the Genetics of Populations. Check out Fred’s other sciku on Genetic Drift, Inbreeding Depression and Adaptation.