Microevolution and macroevolution

Definitions:
Microevolution means some small scale change or any insignificant change-
such as increase in gene frequency of the gene for dark wings in beetles from one
generation or to another is microevolution. On the other hand, a large scale
evolution or radiation of dinosaur lineage is macroevolution.
Microevolution happens on small scale (within a single population), while
macroevolution occurs on a scale that goes beyond the boundaries of a single
species. As a matter of fact, macroevolution refers to major evolutionary changes
over time, as for instance, the origin of new types of organisms from previously
existing, but different ancestral types e.g. a fish descending from an invertebrate or
whales descending from a land mammal. Such bizarre changes are expected in
evolutionary concept.
Microevolution:
Microevolution involves varieties within a given type. Change happens
within a group but the descendant is clearly of the same type as the ancestor. It would
be better to call such as a change as variety or adaptation, but the changes are
“Horizontal” and not “Vertical” such changes might be brought about by “Natural
selection” in which a trait within the present variety is selected as the best for a given
set of conditions. Or the same is done by “Artificial selection” e.g. dog breeders
produce new variety or varieties of dogs.
The small or micro evolutionary changes occur by recombinations of existing
genetic material within a group.
Mutations in genetic material produce new genetic material but it can produce
macroevolution because no useful mutations have ever been observed. The common
example cited in this respect is that of the sickle- cell anemia which induces greater
resistance to malaria.
Examples:
The common example of microevolution includes the variety of beak shape in the
finches of Galapagos island. Also the shifting of dominant color of the peppered
moth in England (a population of moths) during the industrial revolution when the
soot covered the trees; the insect populations become resistant to DDT, and germs
become resistant to antibiotics.
Microevolution is an uncontroversial, well- documented, natural occurring
biological phenomenon. It happens every day. It is the process whereby preexisting
genetic material information is rearranged, or lost through sexual reproduction and/
or genetic mutation producing relatively small- scale (“micro”) changes within a
population e.g. two long- haired dogs producing a short – haired puppy.
Macroevolution:
Macroevolution is somewhat more controversial that requires the introduction of
new genetic information and is believed to produce large- scale (“macro”) changes
e.g. an amphibian evolving into reptile or a reptile evolving into bird.
Types of macroevolution:
Divergent evolution
Macroevolution is of two types
Convergent evolution
Divergent evolution:
Divergent evolution occurs when two different species shared a common ancestor
but different characteristics from one another. The evolutionary theory tells us that
all forms of life existing on the earth today have evolved from the first living cell.
Over time, the original cells followed large and widely different lies of development
or evolution which created the diversity of life on the earth- from trees to human.
Each time one ancestral species diverges into multiple descendent species it is
called speciation which is an important result of divergent evolution.
It is not essential that divergent evolution should take place on such grand
scale. It can also be as simple as different environment e.g. Darwin’s finches are a
group of about 15 different species of finches living on the Galapagos island. Each
species is adapted to a different diet causing variations in the shape and size of their
beak. all these species evolved from one common ancestor i: e one species of finch
………. On page no 3
Characteristics of divergent evolution:
The main characteristics of divergent evolution include:
i. When a species diverges over time into two different species, resulting in a
species becoming less like the original one.
ii. Live in different ways than the common ancestor
iii. Prime example are the dinosaurs.

Convergent evolution:
Convergent takes place when two different species do not share a common ancestor
but develop similar characteristics through adaptations to similar environmental
conditions. But it must be clearly understood that convergent evolution does not
mean to establish relationship between two animals having similar characteristics
e.g. no relationship between a humming bird and humming moth, though they have
same size, eat the nectar of the same flowers and have wings that work in a similar
manner.
(They are so similar that people often mistakenly take moth for real humming birds-
one is insect and the other is a bird.)
Characteristics of convergent evolution:
i. When unrelated organisms evolve similarities when adapting to similar
environments.
ii. Live in relatively similar ways
iii. Enrus, rheas and ostriches flying squirrel and sugar glider are the important
examples.
Flying squirrel and the sugar gliders look very similar though not closely
related. The former is a placental mammal like dog whereas the latter is a
marsupial like Kangroos and oppossums. Flying squirrel and the sugar glider
look similar due to adaptation and not because of common ancestry- a good
example of convergent evolution.
Both the wooly mammoth and elephant originated from a convergent
ancestor, but common ancestor eventually divergent leading to two new
species.