macroevolution

[ mak-roh-ev-uh-loo-shuhnor, especially British, -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

/ măk′rō-ĕv′ə-lo̅o̅′shən /

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

Derived Forms

• ˌmacroˌevoˈlutionary, adjective

Other Words From

• macro·evo·lution·ary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macroevolution¹

First recorded in 1935–40; macro- + evolution

Example Sentences

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.

From Scientific American

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

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.

From Scientific American

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

From Nature

So if you are really denying “macroevolution”, you should be questioning the validity of pretty much all of science.

From Scientific American