Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and explorer known for independently formulating the theory of natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work laid the foundation for the modern understanding of evolution, emphasizing the role of environmental pressures on species adaptation and survival.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace conducted extensive field research in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago, where he made significant observations about species distribution and adaptation.
2. He is often referred to as the 'father of biogeography' due to his pioneering work on how geographical factors affect species diversity.
3. In 1858, Wallace sent his manuscript outlining the theory of natural selection to Darwin, prompting both to present their findings together at a scientific meeting.
4. Wallace's contributions were crucial in promoting the idea that environmental factors play a key role in shaping species traits and survival.
5. Unlike Darwin, Wallace later embraced spiritualism and questioned aspects of Darwinian evolution, arguing for the existence of a guiding force in the development of life.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's travels influence his views on natural selection?
  • Wallace's extensive travels in places like the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago exposed him to diverse species and ecological conditions. His observations on how species adapted to their environments led him to conclude that natural selection was a driving force behind evolution. These experiences not only shaped his understanding of biodiversity but also prompted him to develop ideas similar to Darwin’s, showcasing how geographical and environmental factors influenced species survival.
• Discuss the significance of Wallace's collaboration with Darwin in advancing the theory of natural selection.
  • Wallace’s collaboration with Darwin was significant because it provided a dual endorsement of natural selection from two independent researchers. Their joint presentation in 1858 at the Linnean Society marked a pivotal moment in scientific history, bringing wider attention to the theory of evolution. This collaboration helped establish natural selection as a credible scientific explanation for evolution, influencing future research and discussion within biology and shaping our understanding of species adaptation.
• Evaluate the impact of Alfred Russel Wallace's ideas on contemporary views of evolution and biodiversity.
  • Wallace’s ideas have had a lasting impact on contemporary views of evolution and biodiversity by emphasizing the importance of biogeographical patterns in understanding species distribution and adaptation. His recognition of environmental pressures as key factors in natural selection helped lay the groundwork for modern evolutionary biology, including concepts like speciation and ecological niches. Furthermore, his dual legacy as both a co-founder of evolutionary theory and an advocate for environmental conservation continues to inspire current discussions on biodiversity loss and ecological sustainability.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process through which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, which leads to evolutionary changes over time.

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

Evolution: The change in the heritable traits of biological populations over successive generations, driven by processes like natural selection and genetic drift.