Definition

Noun: 1. Small-scale evolutionary change: The process of evolution that occurs within a population or species over a relatively short period of time. It involves changes in the frequency of alleles (gene variants) in a population's gene pool due to processes like natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow. 2. Result leading to variation within a species: The outcome of these processes, which can produce adaptations and variations but does not result in the formation of entirely new species or higher taxonomic groups.

Usage

• General Statement: Microevolution is observable and can be studied directly.
• Scientific Context: The term is used to contrast with "macroevolution," which refers to large-scale evolutionary changes over geological time, such as the origin of new species.
• Example in a Sentence:

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Contrast with Macroevolution: Microevolution refers to changes a species lineage, while macroevolution refers to the patterns and processes species lineages, such as speciation and extinction.
• Mechanisms: The primary mechanisms driving microevolution are:
  • Natural Selection: Differential survival and reproduction of individuals with advantageous traits.
  • Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations.
  • Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material between populations through migration.
  • Mutation: The ultimate source of new genetic variation.

Variants and Related Words

• Microevolutionary (adjective): Relating to or involving microevolution.
  • The study documented a microevolutionary shift in the population's traits over fifty years.
• Macroevolution (noun): Evolution on a large scale, encompassing major evolutionary changes over long periods.

Synonyms

• Adaptive change
• Evolution within a species
• Population genetics (refers to the study of microevolutionary processes)

Antonyms

• Macroevolution
• Speciation (the process that results from accumulated microevolutionary changes over long periods)

Noun

1. evolution resulting from small specific genetic changes that can lead to a new subspecies