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microevolution

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈɛv.əˌluː.ʃən/

KK: /maɪkroʊˈɛvəlʊʃən/

noun
Definition

A type of evolution that occurs through small genetic changes over time, often leading to the development of new subspecies.


Example

Microevolution can be observed in the changes of a population's traits over generations.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard about microevolution?
Sloth B
Yeah, it's fascinating how small changes can lead to new species.
Sloth A
Exactly! It shows how adaptable organisms can be over time.
Sloth B
For sure! It's amazing to think about how that works in nature.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
adaptation
variation
divergence
Antonyms
macroevolution
stasis
uniformity
Root Explanation

Microevolution is formed from "micro-" (from Greek "mikros", meaning small) and "evolution" (from Latin "evolutio", meaning unrolling or unfolding). The term refers to small-scale evolutionary changes within a species over time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'small' ('micro-') changes in the way species 'unfold' or develop ('evolution') over time.

Visually Confused Words
macroevolution
semirevolution
proevolution
revolution
prorevolution
introvolution
convolution
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