What is the Difference Between Microevolution and Macroevolution?

The main difference between microevolution and macroevolution lies in the scale and scope of the genetic changes that occur in populations over time.

Microevolution refers to small changes in the genetic makeup of a population over a short period of time. These changes are generally observed within a single species and are caused by factors such as genetic drift, mutation, gene flow, and natural or artificial selection. Examples of microevolution include changes in body size, beak size, or other traits in a population in response to environmental changes.

Macroevolution refers to larger changes that occur over a much longer time scale, often resulting in the emergence of new species or even higher taxonomic groups. Macroevolution encompasses the accumulation of microevolutionary changes to the point that the population becomes unique from other populations, forming a distinct species. Examples of macroevolution include the evolution of bat wings or the loss of limbs in snakes and lizards.

While both microevolution and macroevolution involve genetic changes in populations over time, microevolution focuses on small-scale changes within a single species, whereas macroevolution deals with larger, more significant changes that occur across species and higher taxonomic groups.

Comparative Table: Microevolution vs Macroevolution

Here is a table comparing Microevolution and Macroevolution:

Microevolution refers to small changes in allelic frequencies within a population over a relatively short period of time. These changes can be caused by genetic drift, mutation, selection, and gene flow. On the other hand, Macroevolution refers to larger changes over a much longer time scale, resulting in the divergence of new species. Macroevolution can be seen in examples such as the evolution of bat wings and the loss of limbs in snakes and lizards.