Macroevolution

<p>Macroevolution comprises the evolutionary processes and patterns which occur at and above the <a href="/facts/Species/oDg6b96r">species</a> level. In contrast, <a href="/facts/Microevolution/Xwkz6zCf">microevolution</a> is evolution occurring within the population(s) of a single species. In other words, microevolution is the scale of evolution that is limited to intraspecific (within-species) variation, while macroevolution extends to interspecific (between-species) variation. The evolution of new species (<a href="/facts/Speciation/pmRTQbTK">speciation</a>) is an example of macroevolution. This is the common definition for 'macroevolution' used by contemporary scientists. Although, the exact usage of the term has varied throughout history.
</p><p>Macroevolution addresses the evolution of species and higher taxonomic groups (<a href="/facts/Genera/m8EFjSms">genera</a>, <a href="/facts/Family_(biology)/qTrn6E8E">families</a>, <a href="/facts/Order_(biology)/GKLJvIpt">orders</a>, etc) and uses evidence from <a href="/facts/Phylogenetics/bw4rsovt">phylogenetics</a>, the fossil record, and molecular biology to answer how different taxonomic groups exhibit different <a href="/facts/Species_diversity/jgUGx4UC">species diversity</a> and/or <a href="/facts/Phenotypic_disparity/g2wHFjR5">morphological disparity</a>.
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Macroevolution open-in-new

Macroevolution