vicariances

Noun

vicariance (countable and uncountable, plural vicariances)

1. The separation of a group of organisms by a geographic barrier, resulting in differentiation of the original group into new varieties or species.
   • 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).2018 May 17, Hanneke Meijer, The Guardian
2. The geological event which produces such a barrier (volcano, earthquake, etc)
3. (colloquial) The act of experiencing an event by proxy through an empathic link with the person who is experiencing the event firsthand.