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Separate Biology · Paper 2 · Foundation + Higher · B6

Wallace and the origin of species

Key ideas1 of 3

An independent explanation

Alfred Russel Wallace independently developed an explanation of evolution by natural selection. Joint writings by Wallace and Darwin appeared in 1858, helping prompt Darwin to publish his book the following year. Wallace collected evidence during worldwide fieldwork and is especially associated with warning colouration and speciation. Their ideas changed biology by explaining how inherited differences and environmental pressures can produce changes in populations without a planned direction.

Wallace independently proposed natural selection; joint writings with Darwin appeared in 1858, before Darwin published his book in 1859.

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Practice, downloads and sources

Daily 5 · Exam practice · Revision sheet ↓

Foundation + Higher · B6. Use alongside the shared B6 lessons.

AQA GCSE Biology 8461 · 4.6.3.2. Original notes, questions and diagrams. Models are simplified; teaching data are illustrative.