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)
Examples of macroevolution in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jon Tennant is currently undertaking a PhD in vertebrate macroevolution in London.
—
Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2013
During these eras, the need to evolve only arises when the animal’s environment forces them to adapt to new conditions, writes Max T. Stockdale, an expert in vertebrae macroevolution and paleontology and who was involved in the study, in the Conversation.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2021
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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Guest Blogger, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2013
During these eras, the need to evolve only arises when the animal’s environment forces them to adapt to new conditions, writes Max T. Stockdale, an expert in vertebrae macroevolution and paleontology and who was involved in the study, in the Conversation.
—Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Jan. 2021
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
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
Dictionary Entries Near macroevolution
Cite this Entry
“Macroevolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macroevolution. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share