What is macroevolution?

Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods of time, such as the development of new species, genera, families, or even higher taxonomic levels in the biological hierarchy. This concept encompasses the grand patterns of evolution, including the processes that lead to significant modifications and diversifications of life on Earth, observable in the fossil record and through comparative anatomy, genetics, and more.

Understanding macroevolution is essential as it addresses how major evolutionary transformations happen, such as the origin of mammals from reptilian ancestors or the diversification of flowering plants. These changes usually span millions of years and involve mechanisms like speciation, mass extinctions, and major adaptive radiations. Recognizing the scale and time frame of these processes allows for a deeper comprehension of the history of life and the relationships between different organisms over geologic time.