Alfred Russel Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist born on January 8, 1823, and died on November 7, 1913. He is best known for independently formulating the theory of evolution by natural selection, which he developed simultaneously alongside Charles Darwin, although he is often overshadowed by Darwin's prominence.
Wallace traveled extensively throughout many remote regions of the world, collecting plants, animals, and insects. He made significant contributions to the study of biogeography, particularly in understanding the distribution of species in different geographical areas. His research on the geographical distribution of animal species led him to propose the concept of zoogeographic regions, which divide the world into distinct regions based on species distribution patterns.
Wallace's most renowned work, "Natural Selection," published in 1858, presented his own theory of natural selection. He believed that species evolved through a process of gradual change driven by the struggle for existence, survival of the fittest, and the variation and adaptation of organisms to their environment. Wallace's ideas significantly influenced Darwin's thinking and ultimately led to the joint presentation of their theories on evolution in 1858.
In addition to his contributions to evolutionary theory, Wallace wrote extensively on subjects ranging from social issues to the environment, and he played a crucial role in the development of the field of biogeography. His dedication to scientific exploration and his significant contributions to the understanding of biodiversity make Alfred Russel Wallace one of the most important figures in the history of biology and natural science.
