What is the definition of microevolution?

Microevolution refers to the small-scale changes in allele and genotype frequencies within a population over relatively short periods of time, usually from one generation to the next. This concept involves various mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation, which can cause shifts in genetic variation and ultimately influence the adaptation of populations to their environments.

The focus on changes occurring across generations highlights that microevolution is a continuous process, as populations are not static; they respond to changing environmental conditions, selective pressures, and other factors that influence reproductive success. In contrast to macroevolution, which encompasses broader patterns of evolution that can lead to the emergence of new species over long timescales, microevolution deals with the ongoing and often subtle genetic shifts that occur within existing species.

Understanding microevolution is crucial, as it lays the foundation for comprehending larger evolutionary patterns and processes. This highlights the dynamic nature of populations and how they change and adapt over time.