Several factors can influence the rate of gene flow, including:
Migration: The movement of individuals from one population to another is a key factor in gene flow. The more migration that occurs between populations, the greater the potential for gene flow.
Barriers to Migration: Physical barriers such as mountains, rivers, or human-made structures can limit the movement of individuals between populations, reducing gene flow.
Reproductive Compatibility: The ability of individuals from different populations to successfully interbreed can impact gene flow. If there are barriers to reproduction, gene flow may be limited.
Increased Genetic Diversity: Gene flow can introduce new genetic variations into a population, increasing its overall genetic diversity.
Homogenization of Populations: In some cases, gene flow can result in populations becoming more similar genetically, especially if there is extensive interbreeding between populations.
The student develops an understanding of the processes of science by asking questions, predicting, observing, describing, measuring, classifying, making generalizations, inferring and communicating.