Question

Which scientific concept did Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace independently discover? a. mutation b. natural selection c. overbreeding d. sexual reproduction

Short answer

The scientific concept independently discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace is \(b. natural selection\).

Step-by-step solution

Identifying the Contributions of Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace

Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace were both prominent scientists who contributed significantly to the field of biology. They are best known for their work on the theory of evolution. Darwin published his groundbreaking work, "On the Origin of Species," while Wallace concurrently conducted separate research reaching similar conclusions.

Analyze the Options

Now that we know the contributions of both Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace, let's analyze the given options to determine which concept they independently discovered: a. mutation: The concept of mutation refers to heritable changes in genetic material. While crucial to the understanding of evolution, this concept was not independently discovered by Darwin and Wallace. b. natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which organisms that are better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. It's a key mechanism of evolution and a concept that was at the core of Darwin's and Wallace's independent research and discoveries. c. overbreeding: Overbreeding relates to the rapid increase in the number of offspring produced by organisms, leading to potential issues such as overcrowding, scarcity of resources, and increased competition. However, this concept is not the one independently discovered by both Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace. d. sexual reproduction: Sexual reproduction is a process in which two individuals combine their genetic material to create offspring with a unique mixture of genes. While essential for genetic diversity, this concept is not the one discovered by both Darwin and Wallace.

Choose the Correct Answer

After analyzing the options, we can conclude that the scientific concept independently discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace is: b. natural selection

Key concepts

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin stands as a towering figure in the history of science, known for his monumental contributions to our understanding of life on Earth. Born on February 12, 1809, Darwin was an English naturalist whose observations and theories played a pivotal role in shaping the modern field of evolutionary biology. His most famous work, 'On the Origin of Species', published in 1859, introduced the concept of natural selection as the mechanism by which evolution takes place.

Through meticulous collection of evidence and natural specimens, Darwin concluded that species evolve over time due to the heritable variations that affect an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. His ideas challenged the traditional view of a static, unchanging natural world and set the foundation for our understanding of the diversity of life forms. Darwin's legacy is one of curiosity, meticulous research, and a willingness to consider profound and sometimes controversial ideas about the natural world.

His observations aboard the HMS Beagle, where he journeyed around the world, gave him invaluable insights into the variety of living organisms and fossils. This led to the realization that species adapt over generations through the natural selection process, where advantageous traits become more common in a population due to better survival and reproduction rates of individuals bearing those traits.

Alfred Wallace

Alfred Russel Wallace is often a lesser-known contemporary of Charles Darwin, yet equally important in the development of evolutionary theory. Born on January 8, 1823, Wallace was a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist who independently proposed a theory of evolution by natural selection.

During his extensive fieldwork in the Malay Archipelago (now Malaysia and Indonesia), Wallace studied the distribution of species and noticed patterns that could only be explained by species changing over time. Wallace's key insight was his recognition of the struggle for existence in nature and how it could lead to new species. In 1858, he wrote an essay on the theory of evolution and sent it to Darwin, which led to the joint announcement of both naturalists' theories.

Wallace's works, including 'The Malay Archipelago' and 'Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection' not only bolstered the case for evolution but also illuminated the importance of biogeography in biology. His work is known for emphasizing the role of environmental pressures in shaping the evolution of species, a crucial component in the structures of ecological and conservation sciences today.

Theory of Evolution

The theory of evolution is a fundamental scientific concept that explains how life on Earth has changed over time. At its core, the theory posits that all species of organisms arise and develop through natural selection of small, inherited variations that increase the individual's ability to compete, survive, and reproduce. Essentially, it's a process of change from simple to more complex forms of life, and it's supported by a wide array of evidence from many scientific disciplines, including paleontology, genetics, and comparative anatomy.

Both Darwin and Wallace observed that although offspring are similar to their parents, they are not exact copies. These differences, or variations, can sometimes give individuals an edge in surviving and reproducing in their environments. Over many generations, beneficial traits accumulate in the population, leading to the evolution of new species. The theory revolutionized the biological sciences, providing a unified explanation for the diversity of life and establishing evolutionary biology as a discipline.

Adaptation

Adaptation is a key concept in biology and the cornerstone of evolutionary theory. It refers to the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment through gradual changes in its physical or behavioral traits. These changes occur over many generations and result from the natural selection of genetic variations that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce.

Examples of adaptations can range from the thick fur of polar bears, which insulates against cold environments, to the long necks of giraffes, which allow them to reach high foliage for food. Adaptations can also be behavioral, such as migration patterns in birds to escape cold climates, or the nocturnal activities of animals that avoid the heat of the day.

Adaptations are not purpose-driven but arise from the random mutations that occur in every generation. Natural selection then determines the success of these mutations based on their utility within a given environment. As the environment changes, so too does the selective pressure, shaping the evolutionary path of species through adaptation to their ecological niches.