Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and explorer best known for independently developing the theory of evolution through natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work in biogeography and the study of species distribution helped shape the understanding of evolution, emphasizing the role of environmental factors in species adaptation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace is often credited with co-discovering the concept of natural selection after conducting extensive field studies in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago.
2. His 1858 paper on natural selection was presented at a meeting of the Linnean Society in London, alongside a letter from Darwin, prompting further discussion and development of evolutionary theory.
3. Wallace's work contributed significantly to the field of biogeography, particularly through his observations of species distribution across islands and continents.
4. He proposed the concept of the 'Wallace Line,' a boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia, highlighting the influence of geographical barriers on species evolution.
5. Beyond his contributions to evolution, Wallace was an advocate for social reforms, including women's rights and land nationalization, reflecting his broader interests in natural history and society.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's explorations contribute to the development of the theory of evolution?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's explorations, particularly in the Amazon and Malay Archipelago, provided him with critical insights into species distribution and adaptation. His observations led him to conclude that natural selection was a driving force behind evolution, similar to Charles Darwin. By collecting specimens and studying their environments, Wallace gathered evidence that supported the idea that species evolve in response to ecological pressures.
• In what ways did Wallace's findings in biogeography enhance our understanding of evolutionary processes?
  • Wallace's findings in biogeography emphasized how geographical barriers influence species distribution and adaptation. He identified patterns that showed how isolated regions developed unique species over time, leading to his proposal of the 'Wallace Line.' This concept demonstrated that physical geography plays a crucial role in evolutionary processes, as it affects gene flow and natural selection among populations.
• Evaluate the impact of Wallace's collaboration with Darwin on the acceptance of evolutionary theory in science during their time.
  • Wallace's collaboration with Darwin significantly impacted the acceptance of evolutionary theory as both men independently arrived at similar conclusions regarding natural selection. Their joint presentation at the Linnean Society created a sense of urgency around the concept and brought it to public attention. This collaboration not only validated their ideas but also encouraged further scientific inquiry into evolution, solidifying its place in biology as a foundational concept and paving the way for future research in genetics and ecology.

Related terms

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

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time, significant in understanding evolutionary processes.

Darwinism: The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, which proposes that species evolve through natural selection and common descent.