Microevolution
Microevolution
Microevolution (pronounced: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊ.ɪˈvɒl.juː.ʃən/) is a term used in the field of genetics to describe changes in the frequency of alleles in a population over time. These changes are typically caused by four different processes: mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection.
Etymology
The term "microevolution" is derived from the Greek prefix "micro-" meaning "small" and the word "evolution" which comes from the Latin "evolutio" meaning "unrolling". It was first used in the early 20th century to distinguish between small-scale evolutionary changes (microevolution) and large-scale evolutionary changes (macroevolution).
Related Terms
- Macroevolution: Evolution on a scale of separated gene pools. Macroevolutionary studies focus on change that occurs at or above the level of species.
- Speciation: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
- Genetic Variation: Variation in alleles of genes that occurs both within and among populations.
- Adaptation: The process by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
- Natural Selection: The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microevolution
- Wikipedia's article - Microevolution
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