microevolution

[ mahy-kroh-ev-uh-loo-shuh n or, esp. British, -ee-vuh- ]
/ ˌmaɪ kroʊˌɛv əˈlu ʃən or, esp. British, -ˌi və- /

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.

Origin of microevolution

First recorded in 1935–40; micro- + evolution

OTHER WORDS FROM microevolution

mi·cro·ev·o·lu·tion·ar·y, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for microevolution

  • Biologists use the phrase “microevolution” to refer to changes within a group of organisms over a relatively short period of time.

    Sarah Palin, Creationist? |Benjamin Sarlin |November 19, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
  • Benjamin Sarlin reads between the lines of her views on "microevolution."

    Sarah Palin, Creationist? |Benjamin Sarlin |November 19, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
  • In doing so, however, she manages to obscure the extent of those creationist beliefs by citing her acceptance of “microevolution.”

    Sarah Palin, Creationist? |Benjamin Sarlin |November 19, 2009 |DAILY BEAST

Medical definitions for microevolution

microevolution
[ mī′krō-ĕv′ə-lōōshən, -ē′və- ]

n.

Evolution resulting from a succession of relatively small genetic variations that often cause the formation of new subspecies.

Scientific definitions for microevolution

microevolution
[ mī′krō-ĕv′ə-lōōshən ]

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.