microevolution

[ mahy-kroh-ev-uh-loo-shuhnor, especially British, -ee-vuh- ]

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.

microevolution

/ 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.

Other Words From

• micro·evo·lution·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of microevolution¹

First recorded in 1935–40; micro- + evolution

Example Sentences

Biologists use the phrase “microevolution” to refer to changes within a group of organisms over a relatively short period of time.

From The Daily Beast

Benjamin Sarlin reads between the lines of her views on "microevolution."

From The Daily Beast

In doing so, however, she manages to obscure the extent of those creationist beliefs by citing her acceptance of “microevolution.”

From The Daily Beast