What is the difference between microevolution and macroevolution?
There is a lot of misinformation over the internet about microevolution and macroevolution. We have discussed the concept of species differentiation between macro and microevolution.
The article provides an in-depth difference between microevolution and macroevolution with examples for easier understanding. Let’s find out.
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What is Microevolution?
Microevolution refers to the changes in the pool of genes which occur over time within a population of a species. The process can be observed within a short time scale once it happens.
The main causes behind the changes in gene frequency are mutations, natural selection, gene transfer, gene flow, insertion or deletion, and genetic drift.
What is Macroevolution?
Macroevolution refers to the evolution that occurs on large and surpasses the level of single species. The type of evolution results in the formation of new species.
The changes can be observed over a long time scale and many creationists do not support this type of evolution due to many barriers in providing experimental proof.
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Comparison Chart: Microevolution Vs Macroevolution
| Basic Terms | Microevolution | Macroevolution |
| Meaning | It is a type of evolution that occurs on a small scale and on a single species | It is a type of evolution that occurs on a large scale and on different species |
| Result in | Intra-species genetic change | New species formation |
| Occurs | Short time scale | Long time scale |
| Genetic information | Get altered | The new addition and deletion of genetic structure |
| Creationists support | Supported | Not supported |
| Example | The peppered moth, new strains of flu viruses, Galapagos finch beaks, etc. | Origin of different phyla, development of vertebrates from invertebrates, development of feathers. |
Core Differences between Macroevolution and Microevolution
- Microevolution occurs on a small scale and a single population of species whereas macroevolution occurs on large scale and surpasses the level of the single species.
- Microevolution result in intra-species genetic change whereas macroevolution result in the formation of new species
- Change in microevolution occurs short time scale while macroevolution occur on the long time scale
- Microevolution causes alteration of genetic information whereas macroevolution causes new addition and deletion of genetic structure
- Creationists tend to support microevolution since it has been experimentally proven while macroevolution is not supported by creationists.
- Examples of microevolution are peppered moth, new strains of flu viruses, Galapagos finch beaks, etc while that of macroevolution are the origin of different phyla, development of vertebrates from invertebrates, development of feathers.
Comparison Video
Summary
The core difference between microevolution and macroevolution is that microevolution results in intra-species genetic changes whereas macroevolution results in new species formation.