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vicariance
Mar. 16th, 2009 07:30 amvicariance - n., the separation by geographic barrier of a subpopulation of a species, resulting in differentiation from the original population as a new variety or species.
As opposed to separation by dispersal and other forms of allopatric speciation. The process is called vicariant speciation. From vicarious, though in what sense something is substituting in the place of another I don't quite follow, from Latin vicārius substituting, which is the genative form of vic(is), interchange, alternation, as in the vice versa.
---L.
As opposed to separation by dispersal and other forms of allopatric speciation. The process is called vicariant speciation. From vicarious, though in what sense something is substituting in the place of another I don't quite follow, from Latin vicārius substituting, which is the genative form of vic(is), interchange, alternation, as in the vice versa.
---L.
