vicariance

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

noun

, Biology.

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

vicariance

/ 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

Other Words From

• vi·cari·ant adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicariance¹

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