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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
As animals are assailed by habitat loss, pollution, hunting or invasive species, their populations shrink and fragment — and so does the gene pool.
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Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 17 June 2024
Ten fosters have reproduced in the wild, integrating their genetics into the gene pool.
—
Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 3 June 2024
And removing protections from the animals could lead to overhunting, which could prevent populations from spreading, or limit the gene pool for the animals.
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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.
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Quanta Magazine, 2 May 2024
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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 7 Jul. 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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