vicariance

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

/ vaɪˈkɛər i əns, vɪ- /

Save This Word!

noun Biology.

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

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called vicariance biogeography.

Origin of vicariance

First recorded in 1955–60; from Latin vicāri(us) “substituting” + -ance

OTHER WORDS FROM vicariance

vi·car·i·ant, adjective, noun

Words nearby vicariance

vicar capitular, vicar choral, vicar forane, vicar-general, vicarial, vicariance, vicariant, vicariate, vicariate apostolic, vicarious, vicarious hypertrophy

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.