vi·car·i·ance (v -kâr  - ns, -k r-, v -)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 vic  rius, vicarious; see vicarious.]vi·car i·ant adj. & n. |
vicariant [vɪˈkɛərɪənt, vaɪ-]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biology) any of several closely related species, races, etc., each of which exists in a separate geographical area: assumed to have originated from a single population that became dispersed by geological events
[from Latin vicārius (see vicar) + -ant]
vicariance n
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