macroevolution

[mak-roh-ev-uh-loo-shuhn, -ee-vuh-]

noun

Biology.

1. major evolutionary transition from one type of organism to another occurring at the level of the species and higher taxa.

macroevolution

/ ˌmækrəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. biology the evolution of large taxonomic groups such as genera and families

macroevolution

1. Evolution that results in the formation of a new taxonomic group above the level of a species.

Other Word Forms

• macroevolutionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macroevolution¹

First recorded in 1935–40; macro- + evolution

Example Sentences

Moreover, the study touches on broader questions of macroevolution: how new species arise, adapt and diversify.

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Over the course of two days, sessions covered sexual selection and macroevolution, the identification of sexual selection in the fossil record, relevant patterns, processes and mechanisms, and more.

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A latest example is his superb critique of the classic creationist claim that while microevolution has been observed, macroevolution, the origin of new species, has not.

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Rather, Abzhanov showed that the same forces that shape microevolution — minor alterations within species — also drive macroevolution, the evolution of whole new features and new groups of species.

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It may be helpful to differentiate between macroevolution and microevolution in the somatic evolution of DCCs.

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