Deme
- Pronunciation
- /DEEM/
- Category
- Population Genetics
- Singular
- Deme
- Plural
- Demes
Definition
A local population of organisms of the same species that actively interbreed with one another and share a distinct gene pool.
Etymology
From Greek 'demos', meaning 'people' or 'community'.
Example
The deme is an important unit of study for understanding evolutionary processes in natural populations.
Synonyms
- Subpopulation
Related Terms
- Population
- Gene Pool
- Interbreeding
Usage Notes
In population genetics, a 'deme' is often used to describe a local population that is more or less reproductively isolated from other populations.