1. relating to or involving the geographical separation of a population of organisms into isolated groups that subsequently develop into distinct species
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• The vicariant speciation occurred when the mountain range divided the original population.
• Scientists studied vicariant evolution patterns across the separated continents.
• The vicariant distribution of these bird species suggests they diverged after the land bridge disappeared.
• Vicariant biogeography explains how similar species developed on different islands.
• The research focused on vicariant processes that led to new endemic species.
• Vicariant events often result from geological changes like continental drift.