MACROEVOLUTION

Macroevolution
• Macroevolution is an evolution that occurs at or above the level of the species. It may involve
evolutionary changes in two interacting species or it may involve the emergence of one or more
brand new species.
• The big chances that can happen in allele frequencies among population is called “macroevolution.”
• Macroevolution focuses on the major differences that have occurred over long periods, which led to
a genetic change that allowed a new kind of species to emerge.
Patterns of Evolution Within the Species Level
• Gene flow - The movement of alleles into, or out of, a population as a result of immigration or
emigration.
• Speciation - Evolutionary process that results in the formation of a new species from a pre-existing
species. It occurs when reproductive isolating mechanisms prevent two breeding organisms from
producing fertile, viable offspring.
Physical Separation and Genetic Isolation
• Geographic Isolation - Occurs when two populations occupy different habitats or separate niches
within a common region.
• Reproductive isolation - Reproductive isolation is when two populations of the same species are
isolated so they no longer breed with each other.
Temporal or Seasonal Isolation - Temporal isolation occurs when two populations
differ in their periods of activity or reproductive cycles .

Behavioral Isolation - Behavioural isolation occurs when two populations exhibit different
specific courtship patterns.

Mechanical Isolation - Form of reproductive isolation that prevents two different species from

interbreeding with one another.

Gametic Isolation - Egg and sperm come into contact but reproductive cells are not compatible.
Patterns of Evolution Above the Species Level
• Divergent Evolution – Occurs when closely related species divert to new habitats, often as a result
of diverging lifestyles, ultimately producing distinct species.
• Convergent Evolution – Tend to evolve similar structures adaptations to a similar habitat or way of
life.
Extinction
• Extinction is the total cessation of a species or higher taxon level, reducing biodiversity. It can be caused by a
range of factors, including habitat degradation, predation, disease or natural disaster.
• Mass extinction events are categorised by an unusually high number of species dying out in a relatively short
period.

Mass Extinction Events

1.  Ordovician–Silurian mass extinction (~450 million years ago): Approximately 60 – 70% of all species wiped
out
2.  Late Devonian mass extinction (~370 million years ago): Over 75% of all species wiped out
3.  Permian mass extinction (~250 million years ago): Roughly 96% of all species were wiped out
4.  Triassic mass extinction (~200 million years ago): Over 50% of all species were wiped out
5.  Cretaceous mass extinction (~65 million years ago): Approximately 80% of all species wiped out
Adaptive Radiation
The relatively fast evolution of many species from a single common ancestor. Often happens when an organism
enters a new area with lots of ecological opportunities.

Coevolution
The process of reciprocal evolutionary change that occurs between pairs of species or among groups of species
as they interact with one another. 
 Pace of Evolution
The rates of evolution could vary depending on environmental conditions.
 Systematics: Tracing Our Life’s History
Classification of organisms can be traced from their evolutionary
relationships.
Tree of life by Charles Darwin

-On the origin of species

•Phylogenetic system calsification
•Modern approach clasiffication
Taxonomy
• the scientific study of naming, defining and classifying groups
of biological organisms based on shared characteristics.
 Cladistics
• It is an approach to biological classification in which organisms
are categorized in groups based on hypotheses of most recent
common ancestry.
• Acentral Characteristics
• Derived Characteristics
Cladogram
• It is a diagram used in cladistics to show relations
among organisms.