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Definition

noun, plural: vicariances

(biology)

The separation of a large group of organisms from the population due to a geographic barrier.

(geology)

The geologic event which produces geographic barrier, such as volcano, river, earthquake, etc.

Supplement

Word origin: From vicariant, from Latin vicārius, vicarious, "substitute, deputy" (adj. and n.), from vicis "turn, change, exchange, substitution.
Related forms: vicariant (adjective), vicarious (adjective).

See also: vicariant speciation, allopatry.