What term describes the total genetic diversity found within a population?

The total genetic diversity within a population is accurately described by the term "gene pool." A gene pool encompasses all the different genes and their various alleles that exist within a specific population. This concept is crucial in understanding how genetic variation contributes to the resilience of a population and its ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The greater the genetic diversity within a gene pool, the more options the population has for adapting to challenges such as diseases or climate changes, which ultimately helps ensure the long-term survival of the species.

On the other hand, species richness refers to the number of different species within a given area, which does not capture the genetic variability within a single population. Community diversity looks at different species and their interactions within a community, not the genetic aspects of one population. Lastly, genetic drift refers to the change in allele frequencies in a population due to random sampling effects, which can lead to a loss of genetic diversity rather than describing the diversity itself. Thus, gene pool is the most fitting term for describing the overall genetic diversity within a population.