Which of the following best describes macroevolution?

• A. Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods of time, leading to the emergence of new species or groups above the species level
• B. The inheritance of acquired characteristics during an organism's lifetime
• C. The change in allele frequencies within a single population over a few generations
• D. The process by which individuals with advantageous traits survive and reproduce more successfully

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the term 'macroevolution.' Macroevolution refers to large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over extended periods of time, often resulting in the emergence of new species or groups above the species level. This contrasts with microevolution, which involves smaller changes within a population over shorter timeframes.
2. Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The first option describes large-scale evolutionary changes leading to new species or groups above the species level, which aligns with the definition of macroevolution. The second option refers to the inheritance of acquired characteristics, which is not a scientifically supported mechanism of evolution. The third option describes microevolution, not macroevolution. The fourth option refers to natural selection, which is a mechanism of evolution but does not specifically define macroevolution.
3. Step 3: Eliminate the options that do not match the definition of macroevolution. The inheritance of acquired characteristics is outdated and not supported by modern evolutionary biology. The change in allele frequencies within a single population over a few generations describes microevolution, not macroevolution. Natural selection is a process that can contribute to both microevolution and macroevolution but does not define macroevolution itself.
4. Step 4: Focus on the option that best matches the definition of macroevolution. Large-scale evolutionary changes over long periods of time, leading to the emergence of new species or groups above the species level, is the correct description of macroevolution.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the first option, as it accurately describes macroevolution. This understanding helps differentiate macroevolution from microevolution and other evolutionary concepts.