Alfred Russel Wallace

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist who is best known for independently proposing the theory of natural selection around the same time as Charles Darwin. His work laid important foundations for evolutionary biology, and he is often credited as a co-discoverer of the mechanism of evolution. Wallace's contributions emphasized the role of geographical distribution in species evolution, highlighting how isolation and environment influence natural selection.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wallace conducted extensive fieldwork in the Amazon rainforest and the Malay Archipelago, where he gathered data that contributed to his understanding of species distribution.
2. His paper on natural selection was jointly presented with Darwin's work to the Linnean Society of London in 1858, leading to the famous publication of 'On the Origin of Species.'
3. Wallace is known for the 'Wallace Line,' an imaginary boundary that separates the ecozones of Asia and Australia, illustrating significant differences in wildlife.
4. Unlike Darwin, Wallace was more inclined towards a spiritual interpretation of evolution, believing that a divine force guided the development of life.
5. Wallace's contributions to science extended beyond evolution; he also researched topics such as biogeography, ecology, and even social issues like land reform.

Review Questions

• How did Alfred Russel Wallace's observations in the field contribute to his development of the theory of natural selection?
  • Alfred Russel Wallace's fieldwork in diverse environments like the Amazon and Malay Archipelago allowed him to observe how different species adapted to their surroundings. His exploration revealed patterns in species distribution that were crucial for understanding how isolation and environmental factors influenced evolution. This empirical evidence led him to propose natural selection as a key mechanism for evolutionary change, complementing Darwin’s findings.
• Evaluate the significance of Wallace's joint presentation with Darwin's theory to the Linnean Society and its impact on the acceptance of evolution.
  • The joint presentation of Wallace's paper on natural selection with Darwin's work at the Linnean Society marked a pivotal moment in scientific history. It brought attention to the theory of evolution through natural selection and underscored that two scientists independently arrived at similar conclusions. This event catalyzed further discussion and acceptance of evolutionary ideas within the scientific community, ultimately leading to the publication of Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' later that year.
• Analyze how Wallace's perspective on evolution differed from Darwin's and discuss its implications on contemporary views regarding science and spirituality.
  • Alfred Russel Wallace had a distinct perspective on evolution compared to Charles Darwin, particularly regarding spirituality. While Darwin focused primarily on natural selection driven by environmental pressures without invoking supernatural influences, Wallace believed that a divine force guided the evolution of life. This divergence has implications for contemporary debates on science and spirituality, illustrating how different interpretations can coexist within scientific discourse and influence public understanding of evolution.

Related terms

Natural Selection: The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring, leading to evolutionary change.

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.

Darwinism: The theory of biological evolution developed by Charles Darwin, emphasizing natural selection as the mechanism of evolution.