What encompasses the total sum of genes carried by the members of a population?

The term that encompasses the total sum of genes carried by the members of a population is referred to as the gene pool. This concept is fundamental in population genetics, as it represents the genetic diversity available within a population, which contributes to the potential for adaptation and evolution over time.

The gene pool includes all the alleles (different forms of a gene) present in the population at a given time, reflecting the genetic variability that can be passed on to future generations. A larger gene pool typically signifies greater genetic diversity, which can be advantageous for a population’s resilience to environmental changes and diseases.

While gene migration and gene flow are related concepts that pertain to the movement of genes between populations, they do not directly refer to the total gene content within a single population. Genotypic variation, on the other hand, indicates the variation in genotypes (the genetic constitution) within a population, but it does not encompass the entire collection of genes like the gene pool does. Thus, the concept of the gene pool is pivotal for understanding genetic variability and evolutionary processes within populations.