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.
Contents |
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]