What term refers to the exchange of genes between populations?

The term that refers to the exchange of genes between populations is gene flow. Gene flow occurs when individuals from one population migrate to another population and reproduce, introducing new alleles into the gene pool of the recipient population. This process is vital for maintaining genetic diversity within populations and can enhance adaptability to changing environments.

In contrast, genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies in a population, often affecting smaller populations more significantly. Natural selection is the process through which certain traits become more or less common based on their impact on survival and reproduction. Mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic material, but it does not involve the movement of genes between populations. Together, gene flow is a key mechanism in evolutionary biology, influencing the genetic structure of populations over time.