vicariance
noun
vi·car·i·ance
| \ vī-ˈker-ē-ən(t)s
, vÉ™-\
, vÉ™-\
Definition of vicariance
: fragmentation of the environment (as by splitting of a tectonic plate) in contrast to dispersal as a factor in promoting biological evolution by division of large populations into isolated subpopulations
— called also vicariance biogeography
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