vicariance

American  

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

noun

Biology.

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

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vicariance Scientific  

/ vī-kâr′ē-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.

2. See also speciation

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Other Word Forms

• vicariant adjective

Etymology

Origin of vicariance

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

Example Sentences

Biologists group allopatric processes into two categories: dispersal and vicariance.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Dispersal is when a few members of a species move to a new geographical area, and vicariance is when a natural situation arises to physically divide organisms.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

If a natural situation arises to physically divide organisms, this is called vicariance.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013

What is the main difference between dispersal and vicariance?

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013