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vicariance
[ vahy-kair-ee-uhns, vi- ]
/ vaɪˈkɛər i əns, vɪ- /
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noun Biology.
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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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, nounWords nearby vicariance
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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