Definition of vicariance

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< vicarial

vicariate >

vi·car·i·ance

-kâr

ns, -k

-, v

-) KEY

NOUN:
Biology

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.

ETYMOLOGY:
From vicariant, from Latin vicrius, vicarious ; see vicarious

OTHER FORMS:
vi·cari·ant(Adjective)(Noun)

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