Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist known for independently formulating the theory of natural selection alongside Charles Darwin. His work in biogeography and species distribution played a crucial role in shaping the understanding of evolution and biodiversity, making significant contributions to both science and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace is often referred to as the 'father of biogeography' due to his pioneering studies on how geographical barriers affect species distribution.
2. In 1858, Wallace sent his manuscript on natural selection to Darwin, prompting Darwin to publish his own ideas, leading to the joint presentation of their findings.
3. Wallace's extensive travels in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago allowed him to gather significant evidence supporting his theories.
4. Despite his critical contributions, Wallace's work was often overshadowed by Darwin's fame during their lifetimes, but he is now recognized as a key figure in evolutionary biology.
5. Wallace was also interested in social issues and advocated for women's rights, education reform, and the conservation of nature.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace contribute to the development of the theory of natural selection alongside Charles Darwin?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace independently formulated his own ideas on natural selection around the same time as Charles Darwin. In 1858, he sent a manuscript detailing his theory to Darwin, prompting Darwin to publish his findings. This led to a joint presentation of their work at the Linnean Society, showcasing how both scientists arrived at similar conclusions regarding evolution through natural selection despite working independently.
• What role did Wallace's research in biogeography play in shaping our understanding of evolution?
  • Wallace's research in biogeography was instrumental in illustrating how geographic barriers influence species distribution and evolution. He proposed that different environments lead to the development of distinct species adapted to their surroundings. This understanding helped establish a link between geography and biological diversity, supporting the idea that natural selection operates differently across various ecosystems.
• Evaluate the societal impacts of Wallace's ideas on evolution and how they compared to those of Darwin during the late 19th century.
  • Wallace's ideas on evolution had significant societal impacts, as they challenged existing views on creationism and human origins. While both he and Darwin faced resistance from religious groups, Wallace's advocacy for social issues like women's rights positioned him as a progressive thinker. His emphasis on biodiversity conservation resonated with emerging environmental movements. Unlike Darwin, who became widely celebrated for his work, Wallace's contributions were often overlooked during his lifetime, though they are now acknowledged as foundational to evolutionary biology and ecology.

Related terms

Natural Selection: A process in 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.

Darwinism:

A term often used to describe the theories of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, particularly natural selection.