Which statement about migration and natural selection is TRUE?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The statement that migration can disrupt local allele frequencies in different selection regimes is accurate because migration, or gene flow, introduces individuals from one population into another, potentially bringing in different alleles. This influx can alter the existing allele frequencies in the recipient population, especially if the two populations are under different selection pressures.

For example, if a population is adapted to a specific environment and another population, with different adaptations, migrates into it, the mixing of genes can result in allele frequencies shifting away from what would be expected under local selection alone. This may create a situation where alleles that are beneficial in one environment may not confer the same advantage in another, thus disrupting local adaptations.

In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the relationship between migration and natural selection. Migration promoting population homogeneity while selection causes differentiation suggests a simplistic view of these processes, overlooking the complexities of how gene flow and selection interact. The notion that migration can maintain allele frequencies under strong selection is misleading since strong selection typically leads to shifts in allele frequencies based on the traits that provide survival advantages. Lastly, the idea that high rates of migration completely inhibit natural selection is incorrect; while gene flow can influence allele frequencies, it does not eliminate the effects of selection, which can still

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