Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist and explorer, best known for independently formulating the theory of evolution through natural selection around the same time as Charles Darwin. His work, particularly in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago, provided crucial insights into biogeography and species distribution, highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping evolutionary processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace's 1858 essay on natural selection was presented alongside Darwin's ideas at the Linnean Society, marking a pivotal moment in the history of evolutionary biology.
2. He conducted extensive fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest and later in the Malay Archipelago, collecting thousands of specimens that contributed to the understanding of biodiversity.
3. Wallace proposed the concept of 'Wallace's Line,' a boundary that separates the distinct flora and fauna of Asia and Australia, showcasing how geographic barriers influence species distribution.
4. He was an advocate for social reform and environmental conservation, believing that science should benefit society as a whole, not just a privileged few.
5. Wallace's contributions extended beyond biology; he also engaged with issues like spiritualism and land nationalization, demonstrating his diverse intellectual interests.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's views on natural selection compare to those of Charles Darwin?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's views on natural selection were remarkably similar to those of Charles Darwin, as both theorists emphasized the role of environmental pressures in driving evolutionary change. Wallace independently developed his theory based on extensive field observations and specimen collections. Their simultaneous discoveries led to a collaborative presentation at the Linnean Society in 1858, solidifying their roles as co-founders of evolutionary theory through natural selection.
• Discuss the significance of Wallace's Line in understanding biogeography and speciation.
  • Wallace's Line is significant in biogeography because it illustrates how geographic barriers can lead to distinct evolutionary paths for species. This line separates the diverse ecosystems of Asia from those of Australia, showcasing how even small changes in geography can result in significant differences in species composition. The recognition of this line has important implications for understanding speciation, as it highlights the influence of environmental factors on evolutionary processes.
• Evaluate the impact of Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions on modern biology and conservation efforts.
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions have had a profound impact on modern biology, particularly through his formulation of natural selection and insights into biogeography. His work laid foundational concepts for evolutionary theory that continue to influence scientific thought today. Moreover, Wallace's advocacy for conservation and social reform underscores the relevance of scientific understanding in addressing contemporary issues such as biodiversity loss and environmental sustainability, emphasizing that the lessons drawn from evolutionary principles can guide conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Natural Selection: A mechanism of evolution where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to gradual changes in a population.

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems in geographic space and through geological time, which helps to understand how evolutionary processes occur.

Speciation: The process by which new distinct species evolve from existing species, often influenced by factors such as geographic isolation and environmental changes.