Deme (biology)
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In biology, a deme is a term for a local population of organisms of one species that actively interbreed with one another and share a distinct gene pool. When demes are isolated for a very long time they can become distinct subspecies or species.
In evolutionary computation a "deme" often refers to any isolated subpopulation subjected to selection as a unit rather than as individuals.
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[edit] Examples
Various populations of the Gorilla can be understood by their geographical separation and have been assessed to determine distinct and disjointed gene pools.[1] The Polar bear, Ursus maritimus, is understood to have 19 identifiable demes, even though their circumpolar distribution allows some interchange among the demes.[2]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- C. Michael Hogan (2008) Polar Bear: Ursus maritimus, Globaltwitcher.com, ed. Nicklas Stromberg
- Andrea Beth Taylor and Michele Lynn Goldsmith (2003) Gorilla Biology: A Multidisciplinary Perspective, Cambridge University Press, 508 pages ISBN 0521792819, 9780521792813
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