microevolution
Gradual genetic shift
Microevolution refers to small-scale genetic changes within a population over relatively short periods—shifts in gene frequency, the emergence of new traits, or adaptation to local conditions.
It contrasts with macroevolution, which describes larger changes over geological time, such as the origin of new species.
Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a classic example of microevolution.
Permanent DNA alteration
- genetic driftRandom allele frequency change
- gene flowAllele transfer between populations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- variationChange from a norm
genotype · phenotype · heritability · bottleneck · polymorphism · recombination · allele · gene pool
Good physical shape
- sexual selectionTrait-driven reproductive advantage
- reproductive successOffspring contribution to future generations
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
Pairing by shared traits
- subspeciesTaxonomic rank beneath species
- clineGradual geographic trait variation
mutation
Permanent DNA alteration
- genetic driftRandom allele frequency change
- gene flowAllele transfer between populations
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
variation · genotype · phenotype · heritability · bottleneck · polymorphism · recombination · allele · gene pool · selective pressure
fitness
Good physical shape
- sexual selectionTrait-driven reproductive advantage
- reproductive successOffspring contribution to future generations
- survivalRemaining alive against odds
assortative mating
Pairing by shared traits
- subspeciesTaxonomic rank beneath species
- clineGradual geographic trait variation
- evolutionnatural selection, mutation, adaptation, speciation, fitness
- origins debatecreationism, intelligent design, creation science, Darwinism, young earth
- phylogeneticscladogram, clade, phylogeny, phylogenetics, cladistics
- speciationchromosome doubling, cospeciation
microevolutionHardy-Weinberg equilibrium
Stable allele ratios, no evolution
evolve, revolution, evolution, revolutionary, evolving, micro, evolved, devolve, evolves