gene pools

A gene pool refers to the total collection of different genes and their variations (alleles) within a population of a species. It encompasses all the genetic information that can be passed on to future generations. The size and diversity of a gene pool influence a population's ability to adapt to environmental changes and survive long-term. Factors like mutation, migration, and natural selection can alter the gene pool over time, shaping the evolution of the species. In essence, it’s the shared genetic "library" from which individuals in a population draw their inherited traits.