Final answer:
Gene flow between populations decreases as the distance between them increases, leading to genetic divergence.
Step-by-step explanation:
In biology, gene flow refers to the movement of alleles (different versions of a gene) between populations or geographic regions. Gene flow occurs when individuals migrate and mate with individuals in a new location, allowing for the exchange of genetic material. The further away populations are from each other, the less likely gene flow is to occur because there are barriers to migration and mating.
For example, imagine two populations of bird species that are geographically distant from each other. If the bird individuals from population A are unable to migrate and mate with individuals from population B, gene flow between the two populations will be restricted. As a result, the allele frequencies in population A and population B may gradually become more and more different as new alleles independently arise by mutation in each population.
Overall, the statement that the further away populations are from each other, the more gene flow will occur between them is false. The distance and geographic isolation between populations can hinder gene flow and promote genetic divergence.