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

• microevolutionary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of microevolution

First recorded in 1935–40; micro- + evolution

Example Sentences

Microevolution describes the evolution of small organisms, such as insects, while macroevolution describes the evolution of large organisms, like people and elephants.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Microevolution describes the evolution of organisms in populations, while macroevolution describes the evolution of species over long periods of time.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Microevolution describes the evolution of organisms over their lifetimes, while macroevolution describes the evolution of organisms over multiple generations.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Microevolution is this gradual evolution within a population of cells that have reached a genomic attractor state.

From Nature • Sep. 18, 2013

Microevolution describes the evolution of populations, while macroevolution describes the emergence of new species over long periods of time.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013