vicarious distribution

views updated May 23 2018

vicarious distribution The distribution that results from the replacement of one member of a species pair (i.e. two closely related species derived from a common ancestor) by the other, geographically (as opposed to ecologically). There are many animals and herbaceous plants with a vicarious distribution between North America and Europe. In zoology, subspecies are conspecific vicariants.

vicarious distribution

views updated May 09 2018

vicarious distribution The distribution that results from the replacement of one member of a species pair (i.e. two closely related species derived from a common ancestor) by the other, geographically (as opposed to ecologically). There are many animals and herbaceous plants with a vicarious distribution between N. America and Europe. In zoology, subspecies are conspecific vicariants.

vicarious distribution

views updated Jun 11 2018

vicarious distribution Closely related species pairs that are derived from a common ancestor are said to be vicarious. When 1 species replaces the other geographically (as opposed to ecologically) their distribution is vicarious. There are many herbaceous plants with a vicarious distribution between N. America and Europe.

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