Macroevolution

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Macroevolution is the term commonly used to denote evolution above the species level, including large scale trends and changes, the big picture as it were. Examples of macroevolution would be the origin of mammals or the radiation of flightless birds. Macroevolution differs from microevolution which is concerned with individual species, say arctic bears or New Zealand kiwi. Research in macroevolution looks at how large scale changes may be caused by evolutionary mechanisms—mutation, migration, genetic drift, and natural selection.[1]

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References

  1. What is Macroevolution University of California Museum of Paleontology. Retrieved Feb. 7, 2009