vicariance

[ vahy-kair-ee-uhns, vi- ]

nounBiology.
  1. the geographical separation and isolation of a subpopulation, resulting in the original population's differentiation as a new variety or species.

Origin of vicariance

1
First 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-kârē-əns, vĭ- ]


  1. 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.