Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and biogeographer, best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work laid foundational concepts that helped explain how populations change over time due to environmental pressures and survival of the fittest, making significant contributions to our understanding of biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace is famously known for sending a manuscript to Darwin in 1858 outlining his own theory of natural selection, prompting the joint presentation of their ideas to the Linnean Society.
2. His research included extensive fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago, where he documented species diversity and geographical patterns.
3. Wallace proposed the concept of 'Wallace's Line,' a boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia, highlighting the role of geographical barriers in species distribution.
4. He was an early advocate for the idea that human activities could impact natural selection, foreshadowing modern conservation biology.
5. In addition to his work on evolution, Wallace made significant contributions to entomology, botany, and other fields, showcasing his broad scientific interests.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's work contribute to the development of the theory of evolution through natural selection?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed a theory of evolution that closely paralleled Charles Darwin's ideas. His comprehensive studies of species in various environments led him to understand that certain traits enhanced survival chances based on environmental pressures. This insight helped shape the foundational principles of natural selection, demonstrating how populations adapt over time and how species evolve in response to changing conditions.
• What are some significant findings from Wallace's research in biogeography, and how do they relate to population changes?
  • Wallace's research in biogeography revealed patterns in species distribution that illustrated how geography affects biodiversity. He identified 'Wallace's Line,' which demarcates distinct animal life on either side, showing that geographic barriers can lead to speciation. These findings provided critical evidence for understanding how populations change over time as they adapt to different environments and highlighted the importance of geographical factors in shaping biodiversity.
• Evaluate the broader implications of Wallace's theories on natural selection and their relevance to modern conservation efforts.
  • Wallace's theories on natural selection emphasized not only how species evolve but also how human activity can influence these processes. His recognition of environmental impact laid early groundwork for conservation biology. Today, understanding these connections helps guide conservation efforts aimed at preserving biodiversity against habitat destruction and climate change, illustrating how Wallace's insights remain crucial for managing population changes and protecting ecosystems.

Related terms

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

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time, which was significantly influenced by Wallace's research.

Speciation: The evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species, often driven by natural selection and environmental factors.