What can reduce differences in allele frequencies between populations?

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Gene flow is the process that can effectively reduce differences in allele frequencies between populations. This occurs when individuals from one population migrate to another and interbreed, introducing their alleles into the new population. As a result, allele frequencies in both populations can become more similar over time.

When gene flow occurs, it contributes to genetic diversity and can mitigate the effects of other evolutionary forces, such as genetic drift and natural selection, which may cause populations to diverge. By mixing genetic material from different populations, gene flow enhances the potential for adaptation and reduces the likelihood of the populations developing distinct genetic traits that may lead to speciation.

In contrast, genetic mutation introduces new alleles but does not directly reduce differences between populations; it may even increase variability. Natural selection tends to favor certain alleles over others based on environmental pressures, which can lead to divergence. Similarly, genetic drift can cause allele frequencies to change randomly over time, particularly in small populations, which often enhances differences rather than reducing them.

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