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

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

From New York Times

As such the skull discovery presented a rare example of "microevolution" within human lineage, Mr Martin said.

From BBC

Applying his “worldwide rate of dental microevolution” to the three migrations, Turner came up with roughly similar dates of emigration.

From Literature

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

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.

From Forbes