Is a species with a larger gene pool more likely to survive the effects of natural selection?

Question

With regards to the species as a whole.

Answer 1

Yes, having a larger gene pool does allow a species to be better able to survive a rapidly changing environment.  It allows natural selection to pick from a larger set of genes that may be more suited for a specific environment over another gene.  But unless the environment is constantly changing, there tends to be a decrease in the gene pool, since natural selection pushes toward a more homogonized gene pool.

Answer 2

Yes.

And no.

Depends.

A larger gene pool will make some individuals of the species more likely  to survive something new, like a new disease, or change in climate.

It could possibly interfere with survival if it is in a tight niche where any variation could be fatal.