definitions

vicariance

[ vahy-kair-ee-uh ns, vi- ]
/ vaɪˈkɛər i əns, vɪ- /

noun Biology.

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

Nearby words

vicar of wakefield, the, vicar-general, vicarage, vicarate, vicarial, vicariance, vicariant, vicariate, vicariate apostolic, vicarious, vicarious hypertrophy
Also called vicariance biogeography.

Related forms

vi·car·i·ant, adjective, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Science 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.