noun
- large-scale evolutionary change occurring over long periods of time, resulting in the formation of new species and higher taxonomic groups
Usage: biology; formal
Examples
- Macroevolution explains how fish evolved into tetrapods over millions of years.
- The fossil record provides evidence for macroevolution across different geological periods.
- Scientists study macroevolution to understand how major animal groups diverged from common ancestors.
- Macroevolution involves the accumulation of many small genetic changes over vast timescales.
- The transition from dinosaurs to birds is considered a classic example of macroevolution.
- Understanding macroevolution requires examining both fossil data and molecular evidence.