What is macroevolution?
Q: What is macroevolution?
A: Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolution, which can mean the origin of species or the large-scale changes seen in the fossil record. It is a term of convenience and does not suggest any change in the process of evolution.
Q: How does it differ from microevolution?
A: Microevolution refers to smaller evolutionary changes within species or populations, such as changes in allele frequencies.
Q: What do some biologists use macroevolution for?
A: Some biologists use the term for evolution in already separated gene pools, focusing on change that occurs at or above the level of species.
Q: Who suggested that genes are objects of selection?
A: Richard Dawkins suggested that genes are objects of selection.
Q: Who challenged this idea?
A: Ernst Mayr challenged this idea, suggesting that individuals are what survive and reproduce successfully.
Q: What happens to gene frequency during microevolution?
A: During microevolution, changes in gene frequency occur as a by-product of what happens to individuals.
Q: Are palaeontologists who see things in the fossil record not explained by gradualist evolutionary synthesis a majority or minority position? A: Palaeontologists who see things in the fossil record not explained by gradualist evolutionary synthesis are in the minority position.
