Answer to Question #151378 in Evolution for Jenna

Question

Distinguish between microevolution and macroevolution.

Answer 1

Organic evolution is a gradual change in the living world. It cannot be noticed by humans because it takes millions of years for changes to happen. These changes accumulate to give rise to a new species. Heritable changes occur due to changes in the DNA. Changes in DNA are called mutations. When many mutations show added effect in an organism, it will look different morphologically and physiologically from the original. They stop interbreeding with the original population. When they stop interbreeding with the original population a new species has emerged. The formation of a new species due to the accumulation of heritable changes constitutes microevolution whereas; macroevolution is large-scale trends and changes among many species of organisms. It may be due to a big change in factors like the habitat, climate, etc.