Deme (biology)
In biology, a deme is a term for a local population of polytypic 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. The term deme is mainly used in evolutionary biology and is often used as a synonym for population.
In evolutionary computation a "deme" often refers to any isolated subpopulation subjected to selection as a unit rather than as individuals.
A deme in biological evolution is conceptually related to a meme in cultural evolution.
Examples
Various populations of gorillas 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]
See also
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 0-521-79281-9, ISBN 978-0-521-79281-3