microevolution [mahy-kroh-ev- uh- loo-sh uh n , -ee-v or, esp. British uh-] EXAMPLES | WORD ORIGIN noun . Biology evolutionary change involving the gradual accumulation of mutations leading to new varieties within a species. minor evolutionary change observed over a short period of time. Related forms mi·cro·ev·o·lu·tion·ar·y, adjective
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for microevolution Contemporary Examples of microevolution
Biologists use the phrase “
microevolution” to refer to changes within a group of organisms over a relatively short period of time.
Benjamin Sarlin reads between the lines of her views on "
In doing so, however, she manages to obscure the extent of those creationist beliefs by citing her acceptance of “
microevolution.” microevolution in Medicine microevolution [mī′krō-ĕv′ə-lōō ′shən, -ē′və-] n. Evolution resulting from a succession of relatively small genetic variations that often cause the formation of new subspecies.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
microevolution in Science 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.