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 work laid the foundation for the field of biogeography, particularly highlighting how geographical barriers influence species distribution and evolution.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace conducted extensive fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago, collecting specimens that contributed to his ideas about species distribution.
2. He was instrumental in co-presenting the theory of evolution through natural selection at a joint meeting with Darwin in 1858, which helped validate Darwin's work.
3. Wallace emphasized the importance of environmental factors in shaping biodiversity, arguing that isolation leads to species divergence.
4. His concept of the 'Wallace Line' demonstrated how physical barriers like oceans can separate species, leading to distinct evolutionary paths.
5. Wallace's writings on biogeography have influenced ecological and conservation strategies, underlining the importance of preserving diverse habitats.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's travels influence his understanding of species distribution and natural selection?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's travels, particularly in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago, provided him with firsthand observations of diverse species and their habitats. These experiences shaped his understanding of how geographical barriers affected species distribution and led him to conclude that isolation could lead to significant evolutionary changes. By collecting specimens and noting variations among species in different locations, he developed insights that paralleled Darwin's theories of natural selection.
• Evaluate the significance of the Wallace Line in understanding biogeography and evolutionary biology.
  • The Wallace Line is significant because it illustrates how geographic barriers can lead to distinct evolutionary outcomes for species. It separates two major zoogeographical regions: Asia and Australia, showing a clear difference in flora and fauna despite their proximity. This concept has become a fundamental principle in biogeography, as it provides evidence for the role of environmental factors in shaping biodiversity and supports Wallace's theories regarding evolution.
• Synthesize Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions to evolutionary theory with modern ecological concepts, explaining their relevance today.
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions laid critical groundwork for both evolutionary theory and biogeography. His insights into natural selection and species distribution are echoed in modern ecological concepts such as island biogeography and habitat fragmentation. Today, his work is relevant as it emphasizes the importance of conserving biodiversity and understanding how human actions impact ecosystems. By recognizing how geographical factors influence species evolution and distribution, contemporary conservation efforts can be better informed to protect vulnerable habitats.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, forming a key mechanism of evolution.

Biogeography:

The study of the distribution of species and ecosystems across geographical space and through geological time, closely linked to evolutionary processes.

Wallace Line: A hypothetical boundary proposed by Wallace that separates the distinct fauna of Australia and New Guinea from that of Southeast Asia, illustrating the impact of geography on biodiversity.