Final answer:
Hardy-Weinberg describes changes in allele frequencies within a population, which is an example of microevolution. Microevolution refers to small-scale evolutionary changes, while macroevolution refers to significant evolutionary changes, like the emergence of new species over long periods.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept described by Hardy-Weinberg is microevolution. This term refers to changes in allele frequencies within a population over time. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is a principle which states that these frequencies remain constant from one generation to the next in the absence of evolutionary forces.
Microevolution encompasses small-scale changes such as mutations, nonrandom mating, gene flow, and genetic drift that occur within a population. It is distinct from macroevolution, which involves larger evolutionary changes that result in new species and is observed over paleontological time.
The modern synthesis of evolutionary biology, which is generally accepted today, combines both microevolution and macroevolution to explain the full spectrum of evolutionary processes. Through the study of population genetics, scientists can track and understand the impact of evolutionary forces on allele frequencies, thereby studying microevolution in action.