Introduction
At the dawn of the 20th century, researchers and scientists have developed another approach in the process of evolution called the synthetic theory of evolution. This theory emphasizes on microevolution stipulating that the population had very little genetic change during the past generations. Paleontologist like Stephen J. Gould believes that some fossil evidence suggested that some species remained the same for several million years (anthro.palomar.edu). However, the Darwinian idea contradicts the theory and suggests a natural consequence of macroevolution, which is the slow progress of genetic change on species at a less steady rate. These ideas were created based on the four major forces of evolution namely mutation, selection, genetic drift and gene flow. In this essay, micro and macro evolution will be discussed according to the concepts of species, population, speciation, variation, the four forces and isolating mechanism.
Discussion
There is an occurring random mutation in every species, at least within a portion of the species population. Mutation is ultimately the source of variation in population, even though specie belongs to a specific population that share the same genetic make-up there is still an occurring variation within the population. Humans for example belongs to a specific specie, but not all humans look the same there are sorts of measurable features and characteristics that determine similarities and differences that sets each one apart from the rest of the same population. The relationship of interaction between specie, population and variation is defined as a type of organism with a specific set of genetic structure. On the other hand, a group of the same species is called a population and the distinct characteristic of each species within the population is referred to as variation. Natural selection, drift, and gene flow are considered as the main factors that affect mutation, which in return influence variation. Natural selection in particular functions as an environmental variation that affects the natural occurrence of genetic variation (genome.gov). The described influencing factors are associated to micro and macro evolution in such a way that the rate of allele frequency in each geographical location is a result of environmental changes. For example, micro evolution states that there is a very minimal change that occurred to some species for millions of years. It can be explained by the type of environment where the specie thrived for a long period of time. Species in tropical areas for example evolves faster than those in the cold temperate climate. This explains the diversity of ecosystem in tropical rain forest than the forest in cold regions. This idea brings forth the mechanism of isolation, wherein the population can become isolated and gene flow is subsequently reduced. Going to rain forest, it has a more hostile environment that keeps the alien species out. In return the forest becomes isolated allowing the occurrence of allopatric speciation, which is the formation of new species in an isolated area (faculty.evansville.edu).
Conclusion
In a nutshell the relationship between the key concepts suggests that species evolve differently through time due to the prevailing influences described earlier. Furthermore, the evolution of species involves continuous and spontaneous mutation commanding the next generation of natural selection together with environmental change.
Works Cited
Http://anthro.palomar.edu. "Modern Theories of Evolution: Micro and Macro Evolution." Palomar.Edu. Dennis O'Neil, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012.
Genome.gov. "Online Education Kit: Activity 1: Genetic Variation in Populations." National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). Genome.Gov, 29 Mar. 2012. Web. 30 Nov. 2012.
Http://faculty.evansville.edu. "Speciation." University of Evansville Faculty Web sites. University of Evansvillee.edu, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012.
