Microevolution+vs.+Macroevolution

Microevolution vs. Macroevolution "**Macroevolution** is evolutionary change above the species level, including the appearance of major evolutionary developments, such as flight, that we use to define higher taxa (1)."

Macroevolution is essentially the "big picture" of evolution. It cannot be seen in a single human lifespan, or even several. It often takes millions and millions of years to become apparent, usually only being found in paleontological discoveries.

Macroevolution can happen when the evolutionary mechanisms are given enough time (2).



"**Microevolution** is evolutionary change below the species level; change in the genetic makeup of a population from generation to generation (1)."

Microevolution, on the other hand, is the "small stuff" that //can// be seen in a human lifetime. Microevolution's smallest unit of change is in populations (one individual cannot evolve, but it's population can).



(1) AP Edition Biology, Seventh Edition, Campbell and Reece (2) Evolution 101: Macroevolution (3) AP Edition Biology, Seventh Edition, Campbell and Reece