The evolution, which results from the interaction of the elemental forces of evolution (i.e., mutation, variations, recombination, natural selection and the genetic drifts) to produce relatively small changes in the population or populations, is known as micro evolution, the basic process of micro evolution consists of change in the gene frequencies in a population from one generation to the next. The micro evolution, therefore, operates to change the genetic equilibrium in a Mendelian population and occurs below the species level.
Micro evolutionary forces:
The “micro mutations” or “little mutations” as described by Gold-Schmidt are the main source of producing changes in the gene frequencies in the gene pool of local populations. These are mutations in genes. Genetic recombination or Mendelian recombination changes the gene frequency in the gene pool of the population. In addition, genetic drift and natural selection also operate on the population to change their gene frequency and thereby disturb the genetic equilibrium.
Types of Micro-evolutionary forces:
Micro evolutionary forces operating for a shorter period produce Sequential evolution, whereas when continued for generations together result in the evolution of new populations from the existing one. The origin of new populations can occur in a successional manner or in a divergent manner.
Examples of Micro evolution:
A number of series of invertebrate fossils provide us an example of micro evolution, for example, Rome has traced several lines of descent in the fossil genera of Sea Urchin, Micrasten. In one of the series there is a gradual replacement of the M.Corobonis by M.Corangiunum. Another example is offered by Spirifera branchiopod. Thus, micro evolution is a continuous and gradual change in the inbreeding populations, which become geographically isolated into local populations.