macroevolution

noun

mac·​ro·​evo·​lu·​tion ˈma-krō-ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən 

also -ˌē-və-

: evolution that results in relatively large and complex changes (as in species formation)

macroevolutionary

ˈma-krō-ˌe-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē 

also -ˌē-və-

adjective

Examples of macroevolution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Identifying species and the process by which new species emerge from fossils falls in the realm of macroevolution, or evolution over broad time scales. — Briana Pobiner and Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Dec. 2021

These facts are every bit as solid and universally attested as climate change or macroevolution. — Samuel James, National Review, 14 Feb. 2020

Rather, Abzhanov showed that the same forces that shape microevolution — minor alterations within species — also drive macroevolution, the evolution of whole new features and new groups of species. — Quanta Magazine, 2 June 2015

Jon Tennant is currently undertaking a PhD in vertebrate macroevolution in London. — Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2013

Ecological change provokes speciation and extinction, but our knowledge of the interplay among the biotic and abiotic drivers of macroevolution remains limited. — Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 20 Apr. 2011

Word History

Etymology

macro- + evolution, probably after French macroévolution

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for macroevolution

• antipollution
• circumlocution
• coevolution
• deconvolution
• electrocution
• irresolution
• maldistribution
• reconstitution
• redistribution
• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian