What is another term for macro evolution?

The term "macro evolution" refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over extended periods, often resulting in the emergence of new species and significant changes in biological structures and functions. Speciation, which is the process through which new species arise, is a crucial component of macro evolution. It encompasses the mechanisms and events that lead to the divergence of lineages and the formation of distinct species from a common ancestor.

Understanding this process is vital for grasping how life on Earth has evolved over geological timescales. The differentiation that occurs during speciation can lead to the vast diversity of organisms observed today, making it synonymous with the broader concept of macro evolutionary change.

The other term options do not align with the definition of macro evolution. Micro evolution, for instance, deals with small-scale changes within species, typically related to allele frequencies and adaptations that occur in populations over shorter timescales. Transmutation historically refers to the concept of fundamental changes in the nature of organisms, which does not specifically denote the same processes as macro evolution. Phenotypic variation encompasses the observable traits of organisms but does not directly capture the large-scale evolutionary mechanisms that lead to the formation of new species.