Summary
The total collection of alleles in all individuals of a breeding population.
In depth
Gene pool size and diversity influence a population's capacity to adapt. Small gene pools lose alleles through drift, and inbreeding raises homozygosity and unmasks harmful recessives.
Migration adds alleles to the pool.
The gene pool is the total of all alleles at all loci in a breeding population. Genetic diversity is often measured as heterozygosity or the number of alleles, and conservation programmes try to preserve it. Bottlenecks reduce pool size sharply, such as in northern elephant seals, reduced to about 20 animals in the 1890s, which now have very little variation.
Inbreeding depression, the reduced fitness of inbred offspring, occurs as recessive harmful alleles become homozygous. Genetic rescue, bringing in new individuals, helped the Florida panther recover after introducing Texas pumas.
Example: crop wild relatives and seed banks keep alleles that may supply resistance to future diseases.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gene Pool?
The total collection of alleles in all individuals of a breeding population.
Which area of biology covers Gene Pool, and how advanced is it?
Gene Pool is one of the 54 topics in Genetics. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Genetic Variation, Homozygous and Heterozygous, Genetic Drift.
Can you give an example of Gene Pool?
Cheetahs have very low diversity after past bottlenecks.
What should I learn before Gene Pool?
Work through the Beginner topics in Genetics first, such as Heredity, Gene, Allele, then return to Gene Pool. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Gene Pool?
The closest topics to Gene Pool are Genetic Variation, Homozygous and Heterozygous, Genetic Drift, Gene Flow. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Gene Pool?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Gene Pool. To practise the whole of Genetics, use the Genetics quiz.
How is Gene Pool different from Genetic Variation?
Gene Pool: The total collection of alleles in all individuals of a breeding population. Genetic Variation: Differences in DNA among individuals, arising from mutation, recombination and sexual reproduction. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Gene Pool step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Genetic Variation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Genetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.