Does a gene pool include the genes of individuals that cannot reproduce? Explain your answer.
Please help. BRIEFLY explain to me what the answer is in no more than 3 sentences. also, please try your best to not make it sound like a college professor/student wrote it. thank you for your help!
2007-03-26 16:56:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The gene pool is just that, a pool of genes that can be passed on to the next generation, therefore sterile people are not included.
I hate to debunk Wikipedia (which is written by anybody, kindegarteners can contribute, you don't have to be an expert) Gene pools do not include non-reproductive members because they cannot pass their genes on. The spinster aunt, while she may contribute to the survival of one individual, does not pass her genes on.
2007-03-26 17:01:54 · answer #1 · answered by Troy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The individual that cannot reproduce would be a good example of "flaws within that particular gene pool, they have reproductive problems of sterility making it a very poor gene pool to even consider for any type of hope for the progeny!!
I would totally bypass this group; and select one that is capable of reproduction- so that it's positive inheritable contributions go to the improvement of the next generation.
2007-03-27 00:06:44 · answer #2 · answered by Faerie loue 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"The gene pool of a species or a population is the complete set of unique alleles that would be found by inspecting the genetic material of every living member of that species or population." So the answer is yes.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_pool
PS: I wouldnt cite something from wikipedia if I knew it wasn't true. I agree with emucompboy's answer that the gene pool of a species includes all individuals of the population. He explains the case of the aunts well.
2007-03-27 00:03:26 · answer #3 · answered by Robert Wilson 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
individuals who cannot reproduce are considered genetically inviable. hence they are not considered to be a part of the gene pool of a particular species.
2007-03-27 10:51:20 · answer #4 · answered by rara avis 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and it's very important in our own species. There are plenty of people who owe their own reproductive success to having been raised by a spinster auntie. "Altruism" can contribute to the success of a species, a population, and an individual. Altruism's contribution is enough so that it has evolved indpendently lots of times.
2007-03-27 00:23:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋