Sum total of all the genetic information in the breeding members of a population at a given time is known as

Options

A. Gene pool
B. Genetic clone
C. Genome
D. Genetic Drift

Answer

To solve the question "Sum total of all the genetic information in the breeding members of a population at a given time is known as," we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a term that describes the complete genetic information present in all breeding members of a population at a specific time.

2. **Identifying Key Terms**: The key terms here are "genetic information," "breeding members," and "population."

3. **Reviewing Relevant Concepts**: In genetics, the term that refers to the collective genetic material (including all genes and their alleles) in a population is crucial. This concept is fundamental in population genetics.

4. **Defining the Term**: The term that fits this definition is "gene pool." A gene pool encompasses all the genetic variations (alleles) present in a population at a given time.

5. **Explaining the Gene Pool**: According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, the gene pool remains constant across generations unless influenced by evolutionary forces. This principle indicates that the gene pool is a stable measure of genetic diversity within a population.

6. **Eliminating Incorrect Options**:
- **Genetic Clone**: Refers to genetically identical organisms, which is not what the question is asking.
- **Genome**: Refers to the complete set of DNA in an organism, not specifically the collective genetic information of a population.
- **Genetic Drift**: A mechanism of evolution that describes changes in allele frequencies due to random sampling, not a term for genetic information.

7. **Conclusion**: Based on the definitions and explanations, the correct answer to the question is "gene pool."

### Final Answer:
The sum total of all the genetic information in the breeding members of a population at a given time is known as the **gene pool**.

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