Vicariance

Vicariance is a biological concept explaining how species evolve and diversify due to geographical barriers that separate them. When a landscape changes—like the formation of mountains, rivers, or the splitting of land—populations of the same species may become isolated. Over time, these isolated groups adapt to their unique environments, leading to the emergence of distinct species. This process helps explain the variety of life we see today, as organisms evolve based on their specific habitats and the challenges they face after being separated from their original populations.