1.2 - Microevolution and Macroevolution Concepts

Microevolution

Small-scale evolution below species level.

anatomical ad hoc modifications

anatomical structures as a result of post hoc modifications (structural change in organisms that arises as a consequence of past evolutionary pressures.)

Plasmodium falciparum

malaria

Genetic Variation maintained by natural selection

during the industrial revolution, white moths were nearly decimated, either because they were more susceptible to air pollution or they were more conspicuous to bird predator

Allele frequency

Variation in gene pool proportions over time.

Observable evolution

Evolution detectable within human lifetimes.

Antibiotic resistance

Bacteria's adaptation to survive antibiotics.

Pesticide resistance

Insects' adaptation to survive pesticides.

Artificial selection

Breeder-driven selection of desirable traits.

Sickle cell anemia

Genetic disorder affecting red blood cell shape.

Natural selection

Process maintaining genetic variation in populations.

Selection pressure

Environmental factors influencing allele frequency.

Plasmodium falciparum

Causative agent of malaria in humans.

British peppered moth

Example of natural selection during industrialization.

Macroevolution

Large-scale evolution above species level.

Speciation

Formation of new and distinct species.

Fossil record

Historical evidence of evolution through fossils.

Archaeopteryx

Missing link between reptiles and birds.

Tiktaalik roseae

Link between non-tetrapod fishes and amphibians.

Whale evolution

Adaptation of whales to aquatic lifestyles.

Homologous structures

Anatomical features with shared embryonic origin.

Analogous structures

Similar functions but different evolutionary origins.

Vestigial organs

Reduced structures with no current function.

Human appendix

Vestigial organ with potential bacterial function.

Comparative embryology

Study of embryonic development similarities.

Molecular biology

DNA and protein similarities among related species.

Biogeography

Study of species distribution across geographical areas.