(microevolution)
Definition
Microevolution is the change in allele frequencies within a population over a relatively short period of time. It is driven by mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, and gene flow.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Microevolution occurs at or below the species level.
- Natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutations are key mechanisms driving microevolution.
- It can result in adaptations that enhance survival and reproduction.
- Microevolutionary changes can be directly observed within a few generations.
- The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium provides a framework to study allele frequency changes under ideal conditions.
Review Questions
- What are the primary mechanisms that drive microevolution?
- How does microevolution differ from macroevolution?
- Why is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium important for understanding microevolution?
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Related terms
Natural Selection: The process by which certain traits become more common in a population because they confer a survival or reproductive advantage.
Genetic Drift: Random fluctuations in allele frequencies within a population due to chance events.
Gene Flow: The transfer of genetic material from one population to another, which can alter allele frequencies.
