microevolution

American  

[mahy-kroh-ev-uh-loo-shuhn, -ee-vuh-] / ˌmaɪ kroʊˌɛv əˈlu ʃən, -ˌi və- /

noun

Biology.

1. evolutionary change involving the gradual accumulation of mutations leading to new varieties within a species.

2. minor evolutionary change observed over a short period of time.

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microevolution Scientific  

/ mī′krō-ĕv′ə-lo̅o̅′shən /

1. Evolutionary change below the level of the species, resulting from relatively small genetic variations. Microevolution produces new strains of microorganisms, for example, or the rise of a new subspecies. The accumulation of many microevolutionary changes results in macroevolution.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• microevolutionary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of microevolution

First recorded in 1935–40; micro- + evolution

Example Sentences

In summary, any of these conditions can result in deviations from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium—and lead to the microevolution of a population.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The change would have been the result of microevolution, or an evolutionary change occurring within a species.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2020

To get samples from other species, Dr. Carlton has enlisted the aid of a Fordham University biologist, Jason Munshi-South, who studies the travel patterns and microevolution of rodents in the city.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2017

Figure 2Macroevolution and microevolution of breast cancer genomes.

From Nature • Sep. 18, 2013

The theory also connects this gradual change of a population over time, called microevolution, with the processes that gave rise to new species and higher taxonomic groups with widely divergent characters, called macroevolution.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013