Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article

To: js1138

I can't give an example, that's the catch. It's a generic term representing the extent of change needed to evolve one species into a completely new species or a different type.

macroevolution n : evolution on a large scale extending over geologic era and resulting in the formation of new taxonomic groups

microevolution n : comparatively minor evolutionary change involving the accumulation of variations in populations usually below the species level

I can give you a bunch of theories as examples, but they aren't factual examples, as the change could not be observed.

But, here's one theory:

Archaeopteryx was small, with a wingspan of 0.5 m and weighed about 325 g. Its feathers were similar to those of flying birds, but its skeleton closely resembled that of a small carnivorous dinosaur. The brain was relatively large for an animal of that epoch.

And so we have a change from dinosaur/lizard to somewhat of a transitional bird. Though a lot of the links between the archaeoteryx and it's original ancestor (which is not known) are missing, from lizard to bird is a pretty big (macro)change.


77 posted on 05/09/2006 3:01:50 AM PDT by raynearhood ("Government does not solve problems; it subsidizes them."- Ronald Reagan)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 75 | View Replies ]


To: raynearhood

Even the rapid changed of punctuated equilibrium take tens of thousands or millions of generations. Rapid is a misleading word.

Evolution is like compound interest. The rates are different at different times and places, but the changes accumulate one step at a time. There are no macro changes in one, or even a few generations.


78 posted on 05/09/2006 4:53:14 AM PDT by js1138
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 77 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Smoky Backroom
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson