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Migration begins between two genetically diverse populations. What will happen to the gene pools of these two populations?

a)The gene pools will diverge via natural selection.
b)The gene pools will become more similar.
c)Mutations that arise in one population will be absent in the other.
d)The gene pools will remain unchanged.
e)The gene pools will become less similar.

User Byron Wall
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Final answer:

Option (b), Migration between two genetically diverse populations leads to gene pools becoming more similar due to gene flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

When migration begins between two genetically diverse populations, the gene pools of these populations will become more similar. This process is due to gene flow, which is the movement of alleles from one population to another through migration. As individuals move and mate in new locations, alleles are exchanged between populations, thus homogenizing the gene pools.

Migration introduces new genetic material into a population, increasing genetic variation. This can have various effects such as bringing new genetic combinations which might lead to changes in phenotype, and potentially affecting health outcomes or adaptation to the environment.

Moreover, if migration is continuous and mating between the populations is random, this can decrease the genetic differences between the populations over time. On the other hand, if gene flow is restricted, populations may evolve along different trajectories, resulting in more pronounced differences or even speciation. Therefore, migration can lead to either a decrease or increase in genetic divergence, depending on the extent and nature of the gene flow.

User WillG
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