vicariance

[vahy-kair-ee-uh ns, vi-]

noun Biology.

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

Also called vicariance biogeography.

Related formsvi·car·i·ant, adjective, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

vicariance in Science

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.