vicariance

  1. Noun.  (biology) The separation of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species.
  2. Noun.  (geology) The geological event which produces such a barrier (volcano, earthquake, etc).
  3. Noun.  (context, psychology) The act of experiencing an event by proxy through an empathic link with the person who is experiencing the event firsthand.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.