- Explain the difference between micro-evolution and macro-evolution, highlighting their key characteristics and relationship. (2 marks)
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- Provide an example of how microevolutionary changes can accumulate to drive larger evolutionary changes and potentially lead to speciation. (2 marks)
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a. Difference between microevolution and macroevolution:
→ Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in gene frequencies within a population over time, such as changes in colour or size.
→ Macroevolution, on the other hand, involves large-scale changes that lead to the formation of new species or higher taxonomic groups.
→ While both rely on the same mechanics of change, microevolution occurs relatively quickly and can be observed within human timescales while macroevolution typically occurs over much longer periods and is inferred from fossil records.
b. Answers could include one of the following examples.
Evolution of the platypus:
→ Over millions of years, the evolution of the platypus saw small genetic changes accumulate.
→ This process resulted in a combination of reptilian and mammalian features, such as egg-laying and milk production.
→ These gradual changes eventually led to the emergence of a distinct species that occupies a unique ecological niche.
Evolution of the horse:
→ Fossil evidence shows the evolution of the horse from a small, multi-toed ancestor to larger, single-toed modern horses.
→ Each small change, such as increases in size or reductions in toe number, represented micro-evolutionary steps.
→ Over millions of years, these accumulated changes resulted in the diverse horse species we see today, adapted to various environments.
a. Difference between microevolution and macroevolution:
→ Microevolution refers to small-scale changes in gene frequencies within a population over time, such as changes in colour or size.
→ Macroevolution, on the other hand, involves large-scale changes that lead to the formation of new species or higher taxonomic groups.
→ While both rely on the same mechanics of change, microevolution occurs relatively quickly and can be observed within human timescales while macroevolution typically occurs over much longer periods and is inferred from fossil records.
b. Answers could include one of the following examples.
Evolution of the platypus:
→ Over millions of years, the evolution of the platypus saw small genetic changes accumulate.
→ This process resulted in a combination of reptilian and mammalian features, such as egg-laying and milk production.
→ These gradual changes eventually led to the emergence of a distinct species that occupies a unique ecological niche.
Evolution of the horse:
→ Fossil evidence shows the evolution of the horse from a small, multi-toed ancestor to larger, single-toed modern horses.
→ Each small change, such as increases in size or reductions in toe number, represented micro-evolutionary steps.
→ Over millions of years, these accumulated changes resulted in the diverse horse species we see today, adapted to various environments.