vicariance

(noun)

the separation of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species

Related Terms

Examples of vicariance in the following topics:

  • Allopatric Speciation

    • Biologists group allopatric processes into two categories: dispersal and vicariance.
    • Dispersal occurs when a few members of a species move to a new geographical area, while vicariance occurs when a natural situation arises to physically divide organisms.