Aside from Darwin, Alfred Russel Wallace is known for his contributions to the theory of evolution. Wallace independently conceived the theory of natural selection, parallel to Darwin's findings. His work, especially the 1858 paper presented alongside Darwin, solidified the scientific understanding of evolution. Wallace's explorations in the Amazon and the Malay Archipelago provided crucial insights into biogeography and species distribution. While often overshadowed by Darwin, Wallace's contributions to evolutionary biology are significant, as he advocated for the importance of environmental factors in shaping species over time.