ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Genepool

The genepool is like a big toy box full of different types of blocks that make up people and other living things. Each block represents a gene, which is like an instruction manual that tells your body how to work and grow. All the different types of blocks (genes) are what make each person or animal unique, just like how everyone has a different toy box full of different blocks.

In the genepool, all the blocks (genes) are mixed together like a big potion. This is because when animals and people have babies, their genes mix together and create new combinations of blocks. So, the genepool is like a big mixing pot of all the different genes that exist.

Sometimes, genes can change or mutate. This is like a block in your toy box suddenly turning a different color or shape. This can happen naturally over time or caused by things like pollution or radiation. Sometimes, these changes can be helpful, like adding a fun new block to your toy box that makes it more exciting to play with. Other times, they can be harmful, like a block that doesn't fit well with the other blocks and makes it harder to build things.

Overall, the genepool is like a big collection of all the different genes that exist, which mix together and change over time to create the wonderful variety of life on Earth.