How do microevolution and macroevolution differ?

Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in gene frequency within a population, while macroevolution involves the emergence of new species.

Microevolution occurs through mechanisms such as mutation, genetic drift, gene flow, and natural selection. These processes can lead to changes in the frequency of alleles within a population over time. For example, if a population of birds experiences a mutation that results in a new beak shape, natural selection may favour individuals with the new beak shape if it is better suited to their environment. Over time, the frequency of the allele for the new beak shape may increase in the population.

Macroevolution, on the other hand, involves the formation of new species through processes such as speciation. Speciation occurs when a population becomes reproductively isolated from other populations, meaning that they can no longer interbreed and produce viable offspring. This can occur through mechanisms such as geographic isolation, where a physical barrier separates a population, or through genetic isolation, where genetic changes accumulate over time and prevent interbreeding.

While microevolution and macroevolution are distinct processes, they are not entirely separate. Microevolutionary changes can accumulate over time and eventually lead to macroevolutionary changes, such as the formation of new species. Therefore, understanding both micro and macroevolution is important for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.