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Alfred Russel Wallace

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist, and biologist. He is best known for independently developing the theory of evolution by natural selection, which he published in a paper in 1858, just a few months before Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species was published.

Wallace was born in Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales in 1823. He was a self-taught naturalist and explorer, and he travelled extensively throughout the Malay Archipelago, collecting specimens and observing the natural world.

In 1858, Wallace sent a paper to Darwin that outlined his theory of evolution by natural selection. Darwin was so impressed by the paper that he decided to publish it alongside his own work on the same topic. The two men became friends and collaborators, and they continued to correspond and share ideas throughout their lives.

Wallace's work on evolution was not limited to the theory of natural selection. He also made significant contributions to our understanding of biogeography, the study of the distribution of plants and animals across the globe. He proposed the "Wallace Line," which is a boundary that separates the distribution of Asian and Australasian animals.

Wallace was a prolific writer, and he published over 20 books and hundreds of articles on a wide range of topics. He was also a strong advocate for social justice, and he spoke out against slavery and colonialism.

How can the word be used?

Wallace's work on evolution was published in the same year as Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species, and the two men are often credited with co-discovering the theory.

Alfred Russel Wallace

Different forms of the word

Alfred Russel Wallace is a proper noun.

Etymology

The name "Alfred Russel Wallace" is of English origin. The given name "Alfred" is of Germanic origin and means "elf-counsel". The surname "Wallace" is of Scottish origin and means "stranger's land".

The name "Alfred Russel Wallace" is therefore a combination of two words that both have positive connotations. This is perhaps a fitting name for someone who was such a brilliant and influential naturalist.

Question

What was Alfred Russel Wallace famous for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

How did Alfred Russel Wallace's work on evolution by natural selection contribute to the development of science?

Answer:

  • Alfred Russel Wallace's work on evolution by natural selection was a major contribution to the development of science. His theory helped to explain how animals and plants change over time, and it provided a scientific basis for understanding the diversity of life on Earth.
  • Wallace's theory was based on the idea that individuals within a species vary in their traits. Some of these traits are beneficial, meaning that they help the individual survive and reproduce. Over time, the beneficial traits will become more common in the population, and the population will evolve.
  • Wallace's theory was revolutionary because it showed that evolution was not a random process. It was driven by the forces of natural selection, which meant that it could be studied and understood scientifically.
  • Wallace's work on evolution by natural selection was met with mixed reactions at first. Some scientists were sceptical of his theory, but others, such as Charles Darwin, were immediately impressed. Darwin was so impressed by Wallace's work that he decided to publish it alongside his own work on the same topic.
  • The publication of Wallace's and Darwin's work on evolution by natural selection was a major turning point in the history of science. It helped to establish evolution as a scientific fact, and it paved the way for further research into the mechanisms of evolution.