Alfred Wallace is recognized for his contributions to which concept in biology?

Alfred Wallace is best known for his contributions to the concept of natural selection, a foundational idea in evolutionary biology. In the 19th century, Wallace independently developed a theory of evolution that emphasized how organisms adapt to their environments through a process driven by the struggle for existence. He articulated that those individuals with traits better suited to their environments are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to the next generation.

This idea parallels Charles Darwin's findings, and both scientists are credited with formulating the theory of evolution by natural selection. Wallace's work was critical in providing extensive evidence for the theory, including his observations of species variation in different geographic locations, particularly in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago. His insights helped solidify the understanding that natural selection is a primary mechanism of evolution, leading to the diversity of life we see today.