Macroevolution

Macroevolution refers to large-scale changes in the characteristics of life -- in effect, the evolution of species and higher taxa. It is distinct from microevolution, which describes changes that occur within a single population.

According to Charles Darwin and also the modern theory of evolution, this distinction is relative and purely a matter of scale. The theory further maintains that species are a statistical rather than ontological phenomena. Neo-Darwinian theory maintains that all changes in gene-frequencies, regardless of scale, are explained by the same observable, natural forces.

In the creationist hypothesis of intelligent design this distinction is absolute and central. Intelligent design advocates argue that microevolution may be explained by constant, observable, natural forces, but that macroevolution must be explained by other forces.

See also