ns, vi-] 
| the geographical separation and isolation of a subpopulation, resulting in the original population's differentiation as a new variety or species. |
vi·car·i·ance  (vī-kâr'ē-əns, -kār'-, vĭ-) n. 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. [From vicariant, from Latin vicārius, vicarious; see vicarious.] vi·car'i·ant adj. & n. |
| vicariance (vī-kâr'ē-əns, vĭ-) Pronunciation Key
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. |