Vicariance Definition
vī-kârē-əns, vĭ-
noun
The division of a widespread group of organisms by a geographic barrier, such as a mountain range or a body of water, often resulting in the evolution of related species on either side of the barrier.
American Heritage Medicine
(geology) The geological event which produces such a barrier (volcano, earthquake, etc)
Wiktionary
Other Word Forms of Vicariance
Noun
Singular:
vicariancePlural:
vicariancesOrigin of Vicariance
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Latin vicārius substitute (since after a vicariant speciation event, one species can be thought of as “substituting for” a related species on the other side of the geographic barrier) vicarious –ance
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
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See vicariant.
From Wiktionary
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