vicariance

1. (biology) The separation of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species.Examples: "Such an old origin for parts of Sulawesi would explain its unique biota and high species richness; species would have rafted along on these fragments from worlds since long lost (a process known as vicariance)."countableuncountable

2. (geology) The geological event which produces such a barrier (volcano, earthquake, etc)countableuncountable

3. (psychology, colloquial) The act of experiencing an event by proxy through an empathic link with the person who is experiencing the event firsthand.colloquialcountableuncountable