microevolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowAcademic/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “microevolution” mean?
Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species or population over a relatively short period, often involving changes in allele frequencies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species or population over a relatively short period, often involving changes in allele frequencies.
Evolutionary processes that occur at or below the species level, including adaptation, genetic drift, and natural selection acting on existing genetic variation, as opposed to macroevolution which involves larger changes like speciation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows respective conventions (e.g., 'behavioural' vs. 'behavioral' in collocations).
Connotations
Neutral scientific term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both academic biological contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “microevolution” in a Sentence
Microevolution of [noun phrase]Microevolution in [population/species]Microevolution through [process]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “microevolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The population is microevolving in response to the new pathogen.
- Researchers aim to microevolve the bacteria in the lab.
American English
- The species microevolved rapidly after the climate shift.
- They attempted to microevolve a trait for herbicide resistance.
adverb
British English
- The trait changed microevolutionarily.
- [Extremely rare usage]
American English
- The population adapted microevolutionarily.
- [Extremely rare usage]
adjective
British English
- The microevolutionary processes were documented over fifty generations.
- They observed a microevolutionary shift in beak size.
American English
- Microevolutionary change is a key component of modern synthesis.
- The study provided microevolutionary evidence for selection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in evolutionary biology, genetics, and related life sciences.
Everyday
Extremely rare; only in discussions of science or evolution.
Technical
Precise term for measurable genetic changes within populations over generations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “microevolution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “microevolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “microevolution”
- Using 'microevolution' to refer to the origin of new species (which is macroevolution).
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmaɪkroʊˌiːvoʊˈluːʃən/ (incorrect primary stress).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Microevolution is one part of evolutionary theory, specifically concerning small, observable changes within a species. 'Evolution' is the broader umbrella term.
Yes, unlike macroevolution which occurs over vast timescales, microevolution can be directly observed and measured in studies of organisms with short generation times, like insects or bacteria.
Adaptation is a process or a result where a population becomes better suited to its environment. Microevolution is the broader set of mechanisms (including natural selection, genetic drift) that can lead to adaptation.
No, it is a foundational component of it. Microevolution provides the observable, mechanistic evidence for how larger-scale evolutionary change (macroevolution) can accumulate over time.
Small-scale evolutionary changes within a species or population over a relatively short period, often involving changes in allele frequencies.
Microevolution is usually academic/scientific in register.
Microevolution: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪkrəʊˌiːvəˈluːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪkroʊˌɛvəˈluʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MICRO' (small) + 'EVOLUTION' (change over time) = small-scale evolutionary changes you can study in a lab or field season.
Conceptual Metaphor
Evolution as a journey: microevolution is taking small, observable steps along the path.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary focus of microevolution?