vicariance
[ vahy-kair-ee-uhns, vi- ]
nounBiology.
the geographical separation and isolation of a subpopulation, resulting in the original population's differentiation as a new variety or species.
Origin of vicariance
1First recorded in 1955–60; from Latin vicāri(us) “substituting” + -ance
- Also called vicariance biogeography.
Other words from vicariance
- vi·car·i·ant, adjective, noun
Words Nearby vicariance
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
Scientific definitions for vicariance
vicariance
[ vī-kâr′ē-əns, vĭ- ]
The separation or division of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, such as a mountain or a body of water, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species. See also speciation.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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