Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and biogeographer who is best known for independently proposing the theory of evolution through natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work laid foundational concepts in biogeography, helping to explain species distribution and the role of environmental factors in evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace co-discovered the theory of evolution by natural selection, prompting Darwin to publish 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859.
2. His travels through the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago provided vital evidence for his ideas about species distribution and adaptation to different environments.
3. Wallace proposed that geographical barriers play a critical role in speciation, influencing the patterns of biodiversity we see today.
4. He is credited with establishing the concept of 'island biogeography,' examining how island size and distance from the mainland affect species diversity.
5. Wallace's work emphasized the importance of ecological factors in evolution, which helped shape modern evolutionary biology and conservation efforts.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's observations during his travels contribute to his theories on natural selection and species distribution?
  • Wallace's extensive travels, particularly in the Amazon Basin and the Malay Archipelago, allowed him to observe a vast array of species in different environments. His notes highlighted how species varied significantly between closely situated islands, supporting his view that geographical barriers influence speciation. This firsthand evidence was crucial in formulating his ideas on natural selection and how environmental factors shape species adaptations.
• In what ways did Wallace's ideas about biogeography challenge or complement the existing theories of his time regarding species distribution?
  • Wallace's research challenged existing notions that species distributions were solely determined by climatic conditions. He introduced the idea that geographical barriers significantly affect biodiversity, evidenced by his identification of distinct regions separated by the Wallace Line. This perspective complemented Darwin's theory by providing a geographical framework for understanding how natural selection operates across different environments.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions to evolutionary biology and biogeography in contemporary science.
  • Wallace's contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on evolutionary biology and biogeography. His insights into natural selection laid important groundwork for future studies on evolution, emphasizing that ecological interactions are crucial for understanding biodiversity. Additionally, his concepts regarding geographical influences on species distribution continue to inform conservation efforts today, highlighting the relevance of maintaining ecosystems and understanding their historical contexts in an era facing rapid environmental changes.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species.

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time, incorporating both historical and ecological perspectives.

Wallace Line: A boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australasia, identified by Wallace, which highlights significant differences in species distribution.