Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist who is best known for independently developing the theory of evolution through natural selection, concurrently with Charles Darwin. His work significantly contributed to the field of evolutionary biology and helped shape our understanding of species distribution and adaptation in relation to their environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace's famous 1858 paper on natural selection was presented alongside Darwin's work at the Linnean Society of London, marking a pivotal moment in evolutionary science.
2. He conducted extensive fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago, leading to his observations on species distribution that informed his theories.
3. Wallace is credited with coining the term 'survival of the fittest,' which succinctly describes the outcome of natural selection.
4. His ideas on biogeography laid the foundation for understanding how geographical barriers can influence species distribution and evolution.
5. In addition to his work in biology, Wallace was a prominent advocate for social reforms, including land nationalization and women's rights.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions to evolutionary theory compare and contrast with those of Charles Darwin?
  • Both Wallace and Darwin independently developed the theory of evolution through natural selection, but their approaches varied. While Darwin focused more on variation and adaptation within populations, Wallace emphasized biogeography and the impact of environmental factors on species distribution. Despite these differences, their collaboration ultimately led to a unified understanding of natural selection, establishing it as a cornerstone of evolutionary biology.
• Discuss the significance of Wallace's observations in the Malay Archipelago for the field of biogeography.
  • Wallace's observations in the Malay Archipelago were crucial for establishing biogeography as a scientific discipline. He noted distinct differences between species on either side of what is now known as the Wallace Line, illustrating how geographical barriers can lead to divergent evolutionary paths. This helped explain why similar environments could host different species depending on their historical biogeographical contexts, thereby influencing modern understanding of biodiversity and species distribution.
• Evaluate how Alfred Russel Wallace's views on natural selection and environmental influence have been applied in contemporary biological research.
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's views have had a lasting impact on contemporary biological research, particularly in fields like ecology and conservation biology. His emphasis on environmental factors influencing species adaptations aligns with modern studies on climate change and habitat loss. Research today often considers how organisms will respond to shifting environments, echoing Wallace’s insights on survival amidst changing ecological contexts. Furthermore, his pioneering work continues to inspire discussions on biodiversity conservation strategies that account for geographical variations in species resilience.

Related terms

Natural Selection: A process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, which is a key mechanism of evolution.

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time, closely linked to Wallace's observations.

Darwinism: The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection as the primary mechanism of evolution.