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 alongside Charles Darwin. His observations in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago contributed significantly to the understanding of biodiversity and biogeography, emphasizing the role of environmental factors in shaping species.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace is often referred to as the 'father of biogeography' due to his extensive research on species distribution across different islands and regions.
2. In 1858, Wallace sent a paper outlining his theory of natural selection to Darwin, prompting Darwin to present their ideas jointly at a meeting of the Linnean Society.
3. Wallace's travels took him to remote areas, where he made significant observations that informed his understanding of how species adapted to their environments.
4. He proposed the concept of 'Wallace's Line,' an imaginary boundary that separates the distinct flora and fauna of Asia and Australia, demonstrating the impact of geographical barriers on species evolution.
5. Unlike Darwin, Wallace later embraced spiritualism and believed that human intelligence could not be fully explained by evolution alone, adding a unique perspective to debates on human origins.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions complement Darwin's theory of natural selection?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions were crucial in providing independent validation of Darwin's ideas. His research in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago revealed patterns of biodiversity that aligned with Darwin's theory. When Wallace sent his paper on natural selection to Darwin in 1858, it prompted both scientists to present their findings together, demonstrating that they reached similar conclusions through different research experiences.
• Discuss the significance of 'Wallace's Line' in the context of biogeography and its impact on evolutionary theory.
  • 'Wallace's Line' is significant because it highlights how geographic barriers can influence species distribution and lead to distinct evolutionary paths. This concept helped shape biogeographical studies by showing that even closely situated landmasses can host markedly different species due to historical and environmental factors. It reinforced the idea that natural selection operates not just at the level of individual species but also across ecosystems shaped by geography.
• Evaluate Wallace's views on evolution in relation to his later beliefs about spiritualism and human intelligence.
  • Wallace's views on evolution evolved throughout his life, especially as he began to incorporate elements of spiritualism into his thinking. He maintained that while natural selection explained many aspects of species adaptation, human intelligence and consciousness could not be fully accounted for by evolutionary processes alone. This perspective introduced a unique discourse on the limits of evolutionary theory, prompting discussions about the relationship between science and spirituality in understanding human origins and our place in nature.

Related terms

Natural Selection:

A process in which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, influencing evolutionary change.

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems across geographic locations and through geological time, highlighting how location affects biodiversity.

Darwinism: The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, primarily focusing on natural selection as the mechanism for evolution.