I think
Alfred Russel Wallace had the most influence over Darwin’s development of his
theory of natural selection. Wallace is best known for coming up with the
theory of evolution through Natural Selection. Wallace’s idea of evolution
occurring through the action of natural selection is the primary source of
evolution. In his work Wallace realized that species that were more equipped
for survival in a particular environment tended to pass on similar traits to
their offspring, thus resulting in that species genetic superiority until
natural selection occurred again. I don’t think Darwin could have developed his
theory of natural selection without the influence of Alfred Russell Wallace
because it was Wallace who helped Darwin study species from other parts of the
world which was critical in understanding natural selection processes in
extremely different climates and environments around the globe. The attitude of
the church didn’t affect Darwin or the publication of his book all that much.
There were comments made in the press that caused some rage in Darwin but
overall his years of research and support from other scientist along with a
host of optimistic religious leaders, Darwin’s theory of evolution and natural
selection had changed the way people looked at religion before, the release of
his book.
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ReplyDeleteYes, Wallace developed the theory of natural selection independently from Darwin, but then again Darwin developed his theory independently from Wallace, until the two of them took up a correspondence. Darwin had already spent two years of his life traveling the world in the H.M.S. Beagle, collecting specimens from various countries, so while Wallace's contributions were valuable, Darwin had made his own contributions long before Wallace came on the scene.
Missing your choice of bullet points, but then again, all bullet points really apply to Wallace as well, don't they?
Darwin had already developed his idea long before Wallace began to write to him, so while Wallace definitely helped Darwin refine his ideas, he wasn't necessary for their overall development. The key influence of Wallace may well have been the impetus to finally get Darwin to publish after his 20+ years delay. I do wonder if Darwin might never have published without Wallace.
The final question doesn't ask how the church responded to Darwin's work but how the church influenced Darwin's decision to publish. Darwin delayed for more than 20 years before finally publishing with Wallace. Why? What concerns did he have? I do wonder it, in spite of the unhappiness of having to share the ownership of the idea of Wallace, if perhaps Darwin was relieved not to take full credit, and therefore the full ramifications, of his idea.