What term describes all the genes and their alleles present in a breeding population?

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The term that describes all the genes and their alleles present in a breeding population is "gene pool." This concept encompasses the entire collection of genetic information available within that group, serving as a reservoir of genetic diversity that can be drawn upon during reproduction. The gene pool includes both the dominant and recessive alleles of all the genes that exist within the population, which is essential for evolution and natural selection, as it allows populations to adapt over time to changing environments.

Genotype refers specifically to the genetic makeup of an individual organism, not the broader population's collective genetic information. Genus is a taxonomic rank used to categorize species, and it does not relate to genetic variation within populations. The genetic code refers to the set of rules by which information encoded within genetic material is translated into proteins, but it does not speak to the collective genetic material of a population. Overall, the gene pool is a fundamental concept in understanding genetic variation and population genetics.

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