Microevolution typically refers to what kind of changes within a population?

Microevolution refers to small-scale evolutionary changes that occur within a population over relatively short time frames. These changes can involve alterations in allele frequencies, genetic variations, or adaptations that enhance reproductive success or survival in a specific environment. Such processes are often observed over a few generations and can result from mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, mutation, or gene flow.

The focus on small-scale changes distinguishes microevolution from macroevolution, which encompasses larger trends and patterns in evolution, including the emergence of new species or major shifts in biological forms over extensive geological timescales. Understanding microevolution allows scientists to study the dynamics of populations and how they respond to environmental pressures, thereby providing crucial insights into the mechanisms of evolution.