IPA: /ˌmækroʊɪˈvɛlʊʃən/
KK: /mækroʊɪˈvɛlʊʃən/
The process of evolution that happens on a large scale over a long period, leading to the creation of new groups of organisms.
Macroevolution explains how different species have developed from common ancestors over millions of years.
Macroevolution is formed from "macro-" (from Greek "makros", meaning large) and "evolution" (from Latin "evolutio", meaning unfolding or unrolling). The term refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods of time, encompassing the evolution of species and higher taxonomic groups.
Think of 'macro-' meaning large, and 'evolution' as the process of unfolding changes over time. This helps you remember that macroevolution refers to significant evolutionary changes on a large scale.