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gene pool
noun
: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool
Examples of gene pool in a Sentence
the gene pool of a species
Recent Examples on the Web
And removing protections from the animals could lead to overhunting, which could prevent populations from spreading, or limit the gene pool for the animals.
—Laura Schulte, Journal Sentinel, 21 May 2024
Unless natural selection steps in to kick some traits out of the gene pool or to privilege beneficial new mutations, the genetic profile of the population stays about the same.
—Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2024
Officials say major highways are barriers to wildlife, affecting animals’ movement and gene pools.
—Cindy Von Quednow, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
Coyotes also clean up carrion, remove sick animals from the gene pool, and protect crops and gardens.
—Jennifer Dixon, Detroit Free Press, 15 Mar. 2024
Evolution could hardly favor a behavior that removed its carrier from the gene pool.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 Mar. 2024
Conservationists worry the northernmost jaguar population in Sonora has a limited gene pool because it is largely isolated from cats across the range.
—Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 25 Jan. 2024
Animal rights activists argue that breeding dogs and adding breeds can lead to puppy mills and reduce pet adoptions, while worsening canine health due to a shallow gene pool.
—Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 3 Jan. 2024
The genes may remain on the periphery, neither becoming widely fixed in the population at large nor being entirely eliminated from the gene pool.
—Richard Granger, Discover Magazine, 31 Oct. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gene pool.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1941, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gene pool
Cite this Entry
“Gene pool.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gene%20pool. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Medical Definition
gene pool
noun
: the collection of genes in an interbreeding population that includes each gene at a certain frequency in relation to its alleles : the genetic information of a population of interbreeding organisms
the human gene pool
More from Merriam-Webster on gene pool
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gene pool
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