When male lions reach sexual maturity, they are thrown out of their group, or pride, and must live on their own or with other males until they can take over their own pride. This can alter the allele frequencies of the population through which of the following mechanisms?

a. natural selection

b. gene flow

c. random mating

d. genetic drift

b. Gene flow

Explanation:

Gene flow also know as gene migration is the migration or movement of genetic material from one population to another. When a particular gene is introduced from one population to another it causes a genetic variation in the receiving population, hence altering the allele frequencies of the population.

In other words, when the allele frequency between the resident population and migrating population is greater and the migrating population is larger in number than the resident population, the effect on the composition of gene pool of the receiving population will be greater.

Take for instance, the lion that is thrown out of its group would migrate to another group, reproduce and produce cubs with a portion of their own genetic material.