An introduction to microevolution: rate, pattern, process.

摘要: This special issue of Genetica brings together a diverse collection contributions that examine evolution within and among populations (i.e., microevolution), the role microevolution plays in formation new species morphological forms macroevolution). Many papers present evidence occurring over contemporary time frames, further validating near ubiquity ongoing world around us. Several synthetic reviews empirical work help to define conditions under which is or not likely occur. Some studies speak directly current controversies evolutionary biology, such as relative roles determinism contingency, nature relationship between macroevolution. In general, seems driven largely by deterministic mechanisms, particularly natural selection, but contingency (1) determining whether suitable are for proceed, (2) guiding precise manner proceeds. theoretical treatments confirm previous research showing microevolutionary processes at least capable generating macroevolutionary trends. Macroevolution may indeed reflect writ large pattern it arises perhaps best characterized fits starts.