microevolution

noun

mi·cro·evo·lu·tion | \ ˌmī-krō-ˌe-və-ˈlü-shən

also -ˌē-və- \

Definition of microevolution

: comparatively minor evolutionary change involving the accumulation of variations in populations usually below the species level

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Examples of microevolution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This find is the first evidence of microevolution—the changes within a population of one species over time—in early hominids, reports the Australian Associated Press. — Rasha Aridi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Nov. 2020 Some of these teachers might even introduce evolutionary ideas such as natural selection and microevolution. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2019 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 To get samples from other species, Dr. Carlton has enlisted the aid of a Fordham University biologist, Jason Munshi-South, who studies the travel patterns and microevolution of rodents in the city. — Andy Newman, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'microevolution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.